JP2023090679A - Arrangement of substring in photovoltaic module - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide photovoltaic (PV) cell arrays or PV modules for mitigating partial shade and/or mismatch condition in the PV cell arrays and decrease complexity of PV module production.SOLUTION: Regarding static configurations and arrangement of substrings of photovoltaic (PV) cell arrays or PV modules to electrically parallelly connect and spatially distribute substrings in PV cell arrays, substrings of serially electrically connected PV cells may be electrically connected in parallel and arranged such that conductor intersection is minimized or substantially eliminated outside of a junction box. Rear contact PV cells and conductive back sheets are utilized to effectuate electrically parallel connected and spatially distributed substrings.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

(Cross reference to related applications)
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/423,182, entitled "Arrangements of Substrings in Photovoltaic Modules," filed November 7, 2022 and filed January 19, 2022. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/300,847, entitled "Arrangements of Substrings in Photovoltaic Modules," filed Dec. 17, 2021; Module" and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/290, entitled "Arrangements of Substrings in Conductive Backsheet Photovoltaic Modules," filed Dec. 17, 2021, claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/290,767, entitled 983 priority is claimed. The entire contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

(Field of Invention)
Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to photovoltaic (PV) modules and installations. In particular, one or more aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus, systems, and methods for static alignment of PV cell substrings in PV modules that improve mitigation of mismatch conditions and efficiency of PV modules and PV cell arrays. Apparatus, systems and methods for improving

As the world moves away from non-renewable energy sources, the need for efficient and reliable renewable energy sources becomes increasingly important. One important renewable energy source is photovoltaic (PV) electrical energy. As a cost-effective and clean energy option, photovoltaics are extremely important for conversion from non-renewable energy sources.

However, current PV solutions have limitations. One major limitation in PV energy production is the issue of mismatch or partial shading conditions. Currently, to obtain useful power from a PV module, multiple PV cells are connected in series in a string to provide useful potential and current output from the string. However, if one or more PV cells in a series-connected string suffers reduced illumination and reduced current production due to partial or complete shading, the production of the entire series-connected string is Reduced, healthy cells will be forward biased. Furthermore, the forward bias across the production cells may reverse bias the depleted cells, and the current of the production PV cells in the string will be dissipated in the depleted cells, creating “hot spots” and potential for PV modules. can cause serious damage.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide technical solutions that overcome one or more of the above technical problems and/or other technical challenges. Aspects of the present disclosure additionally relate to efficiency improvement and mismatch mitigation for photovoltaic (PV) modules and/or PV cell arrays. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to static arrangement, topology, and electrical connection of photovoltaic (PV) cells, substrings, and arrays. In addition, aspects relate to the use of rear-contact PV cells and conductive backsheets to achieve such PV cell array arrangements and topologies. Further, aspects relate to roof tile PV cell arrays that utilize various aspects of the present disclosure. Aspects described herein further relate to incorporating power electronics into PV cell arrays to variously improve PV energy production.

Certain features of the disclosure are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like numbers (eg, numbers ending in the same double digit) may refer to like elements.
1 illustrates an exemplary photovoltaic (PV) module and PV cell array according to one or more aspects of the disclosure described herein. 1B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the example PV module and PV cell array of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary PV module and PV cell array having electrically parallel substrings in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 2B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the example PV module and PV cell array of FIG. 2A. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary PV module and PV cell array having electrically parallel substrings in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the embodiment of the PV module and PV cell array of FIG. 3A. 1 illustrates an exemplary PV module and PV cell array having electrically parallel substrings in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 3D illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the PV module and PV cell array embodiment of FIG. 3C. 1 illustrates an exemplary PV module and PV cell array, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 3D illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the PV module and PV cell array embodiment of FIG. 3E. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary PV module and PV cell array having an interleaved configuration according to this disclosure; FIG. 3G illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the PV module and PV cell array embodiment of FIG. 3G. Figure 3G illustrates the PV module and PV cell array of Figure 3G in the context of a partially darkened state; 1 illustrates a PV module and PV cell array having an interleaved configuration according to the present disclosure; FIG. 3J illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the embodiment of the PV module and PV cell array of FIG. 3J. 1 illustrates an exemplary PV module and PV cell array having electrically parallel substrings in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 4B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the example PV module and PV cell array of FIG. 4A. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary PV module and PV cell array having electrically parallel substrings in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 5B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the exemplary PV module and PV cell array of FIG. 5A; FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary PV module having a PV cell array, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure described herein; FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the example PV module and PV cell array of FIG. 6A. 1 illustrates an exemplary PV module and PV cell array, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 7B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the example PV module and PV cell array of FIG. 7A. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary two-row substring PV module having a 1/2 cut PV cell array, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure described herein. 10B illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet for the exemplary distributed PV cell array of FIGS. 10A and 10B; FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary conductive backsheet of FIG. 9A having multiple thicknesses; FIG. FIG. 9B illustrates a cross section of the exemplary conductive backsheet 901 of FIG. 9A as a PCB type backsheet. 1 illustrates electrical interconnectivity of an exemplary 3×3 substring total-cross tied (TCT) distributed PV cell array, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 10B illustrates an exemplary layout of distributed substrings of the distributed PV cell array of FIG. 10A. 1 illustrates electrical interconnectivity of an exemplary 4×4 cross-coupled distributed PV cell array, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 11B illustrates an exemplary distributed substring arrangement of the PV cell array of FIG. 11A; FIG. 1 illustrates electrical interconnectivity of an exemplary 3×2 distributed PV cell array, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 11C illustrates an exemplary physically distributed substring arrangement of the exemplary 3×2 PV cell array of FIG. 11C; 11C and 11D illustrate an exemplary conductive backsheet for the exemplary distributed PV cell array of FIGS. 11C and 11D, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 illustrates electrical interconnectivity of an exemplary 2×6 distributed PV cell array, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 11F illustrates an exemplary physical arrangement of the exemplary 2×6 distributed PV cell array of FIG. 11F, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 illustrates electrical interconnectivity of an exemplary 2×5 distributed PV cell array, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 11H illustrates an exemplary physical arrangement of the exemplary 2×5 distributed PV cell array of FIG. 11H, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 11G illustrates an exemplary electrical interconnection scheme for the distributed PV cell array of FIG. 11G, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 11I illustrates an exemplary electrical interconnection scheme for the distributed PV cell array of FIG. 11I, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 11G illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet for the distributed PV cell array of FIG. 11G, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 11I illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet for the distributed PV cell array of FIG. 11I, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 illustrates electrical interconnectivity of an exemplary 2×5 distributed PV cell array, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 11C illustrates an exemplary physical arrangement of the exemplary 2×5 distributed PV cell array of FIG. 11N, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 12B illustrates an arrangement of exemplary partially shaded physically distributed substrings 1002 of the exemplary 4×4 PV cell array of FIG. 12B, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. 12B illustrates an exemplary electrical interconnection scheme for the exemplary partially shaded physically distributed substring array of FIG. 12A, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary PV cell array working conductive backsheet, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 1 illustrates an exemplary PV cell array working conductive backsheet, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 1 illustrates an exemplary PV cell array working conductive backsheet, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 4 illustrates exemplary electrical interconnectivity of a 2×2 TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 14B illustrates an exemplary spatially distributed physical arrangement of the substrings of FIG. 14A; 14B illustrates an exemplary roof tile PV cell array topology of the 2×2 TCT and spatially distributed PV cell arrays and PV modules of FIGS. 14A and 14B, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet that can implement the exemplary TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array of FIG. 15 according to the present disclosure; 1 illustrates an exemplary roof tile PV cell array and an exemplary roof tile PV module, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure; 18 illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet for implementing the exemplary roof tile PV cell array of FIG. 17; 14B illustrates exemplary roof tile PV cell array topologies of the 2×2 TCT and spatially distributed roof tile vertical PV cell arrays and PV modules of FIGS. 14A and 14B, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary vertical roof tile PV cell array, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 1910C illustrates an exemplary TCT spatially distributed roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910C with exemplary junction boxes disposed proximate to the PV cell array side, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. 1 illustrates an exemplary TCT spatially distributed roof tile vertical PV cell array with two junction boxes, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 1 illustrates a system of connected roof tile PV modules of the present disclosure; FIG. 19B illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet that can implement the exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array of FIG. 19A. FIG. 19B illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet that can implement the exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array of FIG. 19B. FIG. 19C illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet that can implement the exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array of FIG. 19C. 1 illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of a 1×8 fully parallel roof tile PV cell array, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 21B illustrates an exemplary physical arrangement of the fully parallel PV cell array of FIG. 21A. 1 illustrates an exemplary fully parallel roof tile PV cell array and an exemplary fully parallel roof tile PV module, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 illustrates another example topology of an example fully parallel roof tile PV module and an example fully parallel roof tile PV cell array; 1 illustrates an exemplary topology of an exemplary fully parallel roof tile PV cell array with U-shaped substrings. 1 illustrates an exemplary topology of an exemplary fully parallel roof tile PV cell array with U-shaped substrings. FIG. 23B illustrates the topology of FIG. 23A having an even number of substrings with four substrings per half of the PV cell array and midpoint cross-coupling conductors. FIG. 23B illustrates the topology of FIG. 23A having an odd number of substrings with three and a half substrings in each half of the PV cell array and midpoint cross-coupling conductors. FIG. 20B illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet that can implement the exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array of FIG. 20A. 20B illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet that can implement the exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array of FIG. 20B. FIG. 20C illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet that can implement the exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array of FIG. 20C. 1 illustrates an exemplary stretch integrated power device, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 1 illustrates an exemplary stretch integrated cartridge power device. 1 illustrates an exemplary stretch integrated power device, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 1 illustrates another exemplary stretch integrated power device, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 1 illustrates an exemplary split junction box stretch integrated power device in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 1 illustrates an exemplary stretch integrated power device in the context of PV modules and PV cell arrays, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 1 illustrates an exemplary stretch integrated power device in the context of PV modules and PV cell arrays, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 4 illustrates an example alternative configuration of an example stretch-integrated power device according to this disclosure; 4 illustrates an example alternative configuration of an example stretch-integrated power device according to this disclosure; 1 illustrates an exemplary stretch integrated power device in the context of being mounted to an exemplary roof tile PV module according to this disclosure; 1 illustrates an exemplary stretch integrated power device in the context of being mounted to an exemplary roof tile PV module according to this disclosure; 1 illustrates exemplary power electronics in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 1 illustrates various examples of module level power electronic (MLPE) integration, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 1 illustrates various examples of module level power electronic (MLPE) integration, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 1 illustrates various examples of module level power electronic (MLPE) integration, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 1 illustrates various examples of module level power electronic (MLPE) integration, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 1 illustrates an exemplary PV module and PV cell array circuit with power electronics (PE) integrated on the PV module or on the multi-module level, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary PV module and PV cell array circuit incorporating PEs on the substring level and the PV module or multi-PV module level;

The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the specification and illustrate examples of the disclosure. It should be understood that the examples shown in the drawings and/or discussed herein are non-exclusive and that there are other examples of ways in which the present disclosure may be practiced. As described herein, photovoltaic (PV) cell arrays and PV modules may be composed of substrings of PV cells connected in series. Substrings of PV cells connected in series may operate according to the weakest PV cell within the substring. A shaded PV cell is otherwise normally illuminated when one or more PV cells in a substring of otherwise normally illuminated PV cells is shaded or otherwise reduced in illumination intensity. PV cells can produce less current and create mismatch conditions. In such cases, the entire substring may operate at a reduced level, with the normally illuminated PV cells becoming forward biased and the reduced PV cells becoming reverse biased and normally illuminated. can absorb the excess energy produced by the PV cells. Thereby, in some cases, the production of the entire PV cell array can be reduced by up to 100% when only a small portion of the PV cell array is shaded or otherwise receives reduced irradiation or production. Furthermore, the absorption of energy in reverse-biased PV cells (or other PV generators (e.g., substrings, PV cell arrays, PV modules, PV module arrays) can cause "hot spots", PV cells, PV Damage to the cell array and/or PV modules may be possible.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to static reconfiguration of PV cell arrays and PV modules to improve mitigation of mismatch or partial shading conditions. Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure relate to improved mismatch mitigation and improved methods of PV cell array production and fabrication. To these ends, some aspects of the present disclosure provide various arrangements and electrical connections (e.g., parallel , series-parallel, and/or cross-coupling (e.g., total cross-coupling (TCT)).In addition to these objectives, some aspects of the present disclosure provide useful PV cell electrical interconnectivity ( More particularly, it relates to the use of conductive backsheets and rear-contact PV cells to create (to mitigate mismatch conditions) and change the spatial topology of PV cells and substrings. It may be associated with reduced manufacturing and production complexity of various electrically connected and spatially arranged PV cell arrays utilizing sheet and rear contact PV cells.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary PV module 100 and PV cell array 110 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Multiple PV cell arrays are illustrated herein (eg, horizontal PV cell arrays (eg, shown in FIGS. 1A-5B), vertical PV cell arrays (eg, shown in FIGS. 6A-7B), and distributed PV cell arrays. (eg, shown in FIGS. 10A-12B), roof tile PV cell arrays (eg, shown in FIGS. 14A-19D), etc.) are commonly referred to as PV cell arrays. Referring to FIG. 1A, a PV module 100A may comprise a PV cell array 110A. PV cell array 110A may comprise a number of substrings 102 (e.g., two row substrings 102AA, 102AB, 102AC, etc.). 102AC, etc. (eg, shown in FIGS. 1A-5B), 4-row substrings 102BA, 102BB, 102BC (eg, shown in FIGS. 6A-7B), scattered substrings 1002, 1402, 1502, 1602, 1702, 1802 and 1902 (eg, shown in FIGS. 9A-19D), etc.), each substring comprising a plurality of PV cells electrically connected in series (eg, PV cell 104A). , 104B, 104C, etc. A number of PV cells are described herein (eg, 104FA, 104FB, 104FC (eg, shown in FIG. 1A), and rear contact PV cells 904 (eg, shown in FIG. 9). ), etc.), commonly referred to as PV cells The PV cells of the present disclosure include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, thin film, gallium arsenide, multijunction, perovskite, organic solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, quantum Dots, etc. A substring can be a full PV cell (e.g., PV cell 104), a half-cut PV cell (e.g., PV cell 804), a quarter-cut PV cell, or more detailed herein. The substrings may be formed from and/or comprise any of the partially cut PV cells described, and are generally referred to herein as PV cells, and may include any number of PV cells. The PV cells within a substring may have positive and negative terminals and may be electrically connected in series to form a substring, for example, the positive terminal of PV cell 104FA connects to the negative terminal of PV cell 104FB. , and the positive terminal of PV cell 104FB can be connected to the negative terminal of PV cell 104FC, thus the substring terminates at a positive terminal (eg, positive terminal 103) and a negative terminal (eg, negative terminal 105). can.

The substrings 102 may be electrically connected together in parallel to establish a PV cell array 110 of electrically parallel-connected substrings 102 of electrically series-connected PV cells 104 . PV cells 104, substrings 102, PV cell array 110, and PV modules 100 are all examples of PV generators. Substring 102 may comprise any number of PV cells 104 (eg, 20 PV cells, 30 PV cells, etc.). The solid black lines shown in FIG. 1A illustrate the conductive paths. Conductive pathways can pass through any number of different conductive media, such as PV cells, silver fingers, busbars, conductive backsheets, ribbon wires, and the like. FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of an embodiment of the PV module 100 and PV cell array 110A of FIG. 1A.

Some substrings 102 of the PV module 100 or PV cell array 110 are connected to the PV module 100 such that all substring terminals 103, 105 may terminate facing the midline 130 of the PV module 100 and/or PV cell array. can be arranged above. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, PV cell array 110 includes six substrings 102 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, PV cell array 110 may be provided with any number of substrings 102 . PV module 100 and/or PV cell array 110 may include a first half and a second half. A first half of substring 102 may be disposed on the first half and a second half of substring 102 may be disposed on the second half. For example, for a PV module 100 having six substrings 102 (eg, two row substrings 102AA-102AF), three substrings (eg, 102AA, 102AB, and 102AC) are in the first half of the PV module 100. , and three substrings 102 (eg, 102AD, 102AE, and 102AF) may be disposed in the second half of the PV module 100 . Each substring may have at least two adjacent substrings. Substrings 102 are arranged above (e.g., two-row substring 102AA may be considered an adjacent above two-row substring 102AB) and below (e.g., two-row substring 102AB is adjacent to two-row substring 102AA). below), to the right (e.g., two-row substring 102AF may be considered the right adjacency of two-row substring 102AA), and/or to the left (e.g., two-row substring 102AA may be , can be considered the left adjacency of two-row substring 102 AF), and any combination thereof can have adjoining substrings 102 . The substrings 102 may terminate with the negative terminal 105 of each substring 102 proximate to the negative terminal 105 of the first adjacent substring 102 and the positive terminal 103 of each substring 102 to the second adjacent substring. 102 can be arranged on the PV module 100 and/or within the PV cell array 110 such that they can terminate in close proximity to the positive terminal 103 of the PV module 102 . This proximity arrangement can simplify the parallel connection of different substrings in some cases. For example, the negative terminal 105 of the two-row substring 102AA may terminate proximate to the negative terminal 105 of the first adjacent two-row substring 102AB (below the two-row substring 102AA), resulting in a two-row substring 102AA. may terminate adjacent to the positive terminal 103 of the second adjacent two-row substring 102AF (to the right of two-row substring 102AA). The terms first adjacency and second adjacency are arbitrary and are for reference purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. 1A and 1B illustrate intra-substring connections, but not inter-substring connections.

For purposes of illustration, each substring 102 may be further divided into rows of subsubstrings, for example, two row substring 102AA is split into two rows of subsubstrings, subsubstring 106AAA and subsubstring 106AAB. can be Many examples of two-row substrings 102A are provided herein (eg, 102AA, 102AB, 102AC, etc.) and may be generally referred to as two-row substrings 102A. Alternatively, the substrings 102 may be divided into four (as described in further detail herein), six, eight, etc. subsubstrings 106 . Two-row substring 102A may be arranged in two rows of sub-substring 106, sub-substring 106AAA and sub-substring 106AAB. As noted above, half of the total number of substrings 102 in PV cell array 110 may be disposed on either side of PV module 100 and/or PV cell array 110 . As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the two-row substrings 102A are rows of sub-substrings 106 equal to two times the number of two-row substrings 102A per half of the PV module 100. can be arranged above. For example, three two-row substrings 102A (eg, two-row substrings 102AA-102AC) may be disposed in the first half of the PV module 100 and three two-row substrings 102A (eg, two-row substrings 102AA-102AC) can be further divided into six sub-substrings 106. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, each sub-substring 106 is either from substring positive terminal 103 to substring midpoint 107 (eg, substring potential midpoint) or from substring negative terminal 103 to substring midpoint 107. can extend up to The substring midpoints 107 on the PV module 100 may be equipotential or have substantially the same potential under similar operating conditions. In some cases, as described herein (eg, with reference to FIGS. 3A-5B, the substring midpoint 107 (and in some configurations, eg, with respect to FIG. 7A) As noted, the 1/4 points and/or 3/4 points) can be electrically connected together to create a parallel connection of sub-substrings.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary PV module 100 and PV cell array 110A having electrically parallel substrings in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The solid black lines shown in FIG. 2A illustrate the conductive paths. Conductive pathways can pass through any number of different conductive media, such as PV cells, silver fingers, busbars, conductive backsheets, ribbon wires, and the like. FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of an embodiment of the PV module 100 and PV cell array 110A of FIG. 2A. As described herein and shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, substrings 102 (eg, two-row substrings 102AA-102AF) are configured such that each substring negative terminal 105 is the negative of the first adjacent substring 102. It may terminate proximate terminal 105 and may be arranged so that each substring positive terminal 103 may terminate proximate positive terminal 103 of a second adjacent substring 102 . Adjacent terminals can then be electrically connected. For example, the negative terminal 105 of dual row substring 102AA may terminate in close proximity to the negative terminal 105 of dual row substring 102AB and be electrically connected. In addition, the positive terminal 103 of dual row substring 102AA may terminate in close proximity to and electrically connect to the positive terminal 103 of dual row substring 102AF. Such an arrangement of substrings 102 may allow parallel connection of all substrings 102 of a PV module 100 while reducing production complexity. For example, such an arrangement allows for parallel connection of all substrings 102 of PV array 110A without conductor crossings (eg, ribbon wires, etc.) outside the PV module junction box (eg, junction box 242A). and can reduce material and labor costs for PV module production. Such electrical connections between adjacent substring terminals can be made, for example, by soldering ribbon wires or any other conductors directly to the PV cell terminals. Further, by arranging the substrings 102 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, conductor crossings outside the junction box (eg, junction box 242A) may be minimized or substantially eliminated. .

Still referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an exemplary electrical circuit for a PV cell array may be as follows: The negative terminal 105 of two-row substring 102AA is the negative terminal of adjacent two-row substring 102AB. It can be terminated close to terminal 105 and electrically connected. The positive terminal 103 of the double row substring 102AB may terminate in close proximity to and electrically connect to the positive terminal 103 of the adjacent double row substring 102AC. The negative terminal 105 of a double row substring 102AC may terminate in close proximity to and electrically connect to the negative terminal 105 of an adjacent double row substring 102AD. The positive terminal 103 of double row substring 102AD may terminate in close proximity to and electrically connect to the positive terminal 103 of an adjacent double row substring 102AE. The negative terminal 105 of a double row substring 102AE may terminate in close proximity to and electrically connect to the negative terminal 105 of an adjacent double row substring 102AF. The positive terminal 103 of double row substring 102AF may terminate in close proximity to and electrically connect to the positive terminal 103 of an adjacent double row substring 102AA. The exemplary schematic above may achieve electrical connection without conductor crossings, ie, greatly reduces conductor crossings outside junction box 242A. 2A and 2B illustrate a substring interconnection scheme with an example of a 2-row substring 102A, the same scheme works for substrings with more rows (eg, 4-row substring 102B, etc.). can be used for

The remaining connections can be made to electrically connect all of the substrings 102 in parallel. Such remaining connections may be accomplished proximate to midline 130 of PV modules 100 and may be made within a single junction box 242A. A number of junction boxes are referenced herein (e.g., single junction box 242A, first junction box 242BA, second junction box 242BB, junction boxes 1142, 1542, 1742, 1942, etc.) and are generally junction boxes is called In some cases, all substrings 102 may terminate proximate to and facing the midline 130 of the PV module 100 . Thus, routing PV module busses and/or wires (eg, conductors) within junction boxes 242 located proximate PV module midline 130 may reduce the complexity of PV module 100 production. The positive and negative buses of the PV cell array may be routed to a single junction box 242A, where positive lines (eg conductors) may be connected to the positive bus and negative lines may be connected to the negative bus. . For example, a conductor (eg, a ribbon wire) may be connected to the negative connection between two-row substring 102AC and two-row substring 102AD and routed within a single junction box 242A. Similarly, a conductor may be connected to the positive connection between two-row substring 102AA and two-row substring 102AF and routed within a single junction box 242A. Negative connections between two-row substring 102AA and two-row substring 102AB, and between two-row substring 102AF and two-row substring 102AE may similarly be routed to a single junction box 242A. In addition, positive connections between two-row substring 102AB and two-row substring 102AC and between two-row substring 102AD and two-row substring 102AE may be routed to a single junction box 242A. Due to the arrangement of substrings 102 as described herein, terminals can be disposed in close proximity to a single junction box 242A without conductor crossing or interference. It can be understood that it can be routed into This can enhance ease of manufacture by minimizing conductor shielding, insulation, and the like. At a single junction box 242A, the positive lines can be coupled together and the negative lines can be coupled together, effectively connecting substrings 102 in parallel without conductor crossings outside the single junction box 242A. wire to Wiring substrings 102 in parallel as described herein may increase mitigation of mismatch conditions in PV cell array 110 and PV module 100 and may increase efficiency.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary PV module 300A (generally PV module 300) and PV cell array 310A (generally PV cell array 310) having electrically parallel substrings in accordance with one or more aspects herein. do. 3A-3K illustrate an exemplary PV module 300 and/or PV cell array 310. FIG. The solid black and white lines shown in FIGS. 3A, 3C, 3E, 3G, and 3J illustrate the conductive paths. For example, solid white lines may be conductive paths through the silicon of PV cells 104, and solid black lines may be conductive paths through, for example, ribbon wires. However, the conductive pathways can pass through any number of different conductive media, such as PV cells, silver fingers, busbars, conductive backsheets, ribbon wires, and the like. FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the exemplary PV module 300A and PV cell array 310A of FIG. 3A. Substrings 102 (eg, two-row substrings 102AA-102AF) may have substring potential midpoints 107 . For example, two-row substring 102AA may have potential midpoint 107A and two-row substring 102AB may have potential midpoint 107B. PV module 300 may include one or more substring midpoint cross-connects 336 (eg, conductors). Substring midpoint cross-connects 336 may electrically connect potential midpoints 107 of multiple substrings 102 . Substring mid-point cross-coupling 107 may be used for different partial shade or shade by, for example, increasing the parallelism of substring 102 and PV cell array 310A to essentially parallelize the top and bottom halves of sub-substring 106. It may improve the power output of PV cell array 310A under other mismatch conditions. Additionally, substring midpoint cross-couples 336A and 336B may symmetrize portions of PV cell array 310A to provide additional light blocking and/or other mismatch mitigation robustness. Sub-substrings 106 (eg, rows) shown in FIG. 3A that have the same pattern may be considered symmetrical (eg, one symmetrical row may conduct in place of another symmetrical row). A substring midpoint cross-connect 336 may electrically connect the potential midpoints 107 of all substrings 102 disposed in one half of the PV module 300 . For example, referring to FIG. 3A, a substring midpoint cross-coupling 336A may electrically connect the potential midpoints 107 of two-row substring 102AA, two-row substring 102AB, and two-row substring 102AC. Similarly, substring midpoint cross-coupling 336B may electrically connect potential midpoints 107 of dual-row substring 102AD, dual-row substring 102AE, and dual-row substring 102AF. Substring midpoint cross-connects 336 A and 336 B may be routed into junction box 242 . There, the two substring midpoint cross-couples 336 may be connected together, eg, to further parallelize the PV cell array 310A as described. Additionally or alternatively, the potential midpoint 107 may be used, for example, to affect the power produced by the PV cell array 310A, for example to optimize the PV cell array 310A as discussed in greater detail herein. may also be used with power electronics (PE).

The substring midpoint cross-coupling 336 may further electrically parallelize the PV cell array 310A and may allow for further mitigation of mismatch or partial shading conditions and/or improved efficiency. As described herein, a string of series-connected PV cells 104 (eg, substring 102) may generate power according to the weakest PV cell 104 in the string. When one or more PV cells 104 in a string of otherwise normal PV cells 104 are subjected to shading or other reduced irradiance, the shaded PV cells 104 are otherwise normal. It can produce less current than the PV cell 104 in situ. In such cases, the entire string may operate at a reduced level, with the reduced PV cells 104 becoming reverse biased and/or absorbing excess energy produced by the PV cells 104 under normal conditions. can. Absorption of this energy can cause "hot spots" (eg, by reverse biasing the reduced PV cell 104), damaging the PV cell 104, PV cell array 310, and/or PV module 300. It could be possible. PV cells 104AA in sub-substring 106AAA and PV cells 104CK in sub-substring 106ACB are shaded or otherwise subjected to reduced illumination to illustrate an exemplary partial shade relaxation for the configuration of FIG. 3A. Assume that Due to the configuration shown in FIG. 3A, substantially only sub-substrings 106AAA and sub-substrings 106ACB can be affected alone (one-sixth of the PV cell array). However, in a configuration lacking substring mid-point cross-coupling 336A, the PV cell array is reduced by a factor of three because two-row substrings 102AA and two-row substrings 102AC can be affected by shaded PV cells 104AA and 104CK. can operate at the specified level. The substring midpoint cross-coupling 336 also allows for increased power production during mismatch and/or partial shade conditions while reducing PV module damage from "hot spots" as described herein. can improve resistance to

FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary PV module 300C and PV cell array 310C having electrically parallel substrings in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 3D illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of an embodiment of the PV module 300C and PV cell array 310C of FIG. 3C. Referring to Figures 3C and 3D, it may be further advantageous to electrically connect substring midpoint cross-links 336A and 336B. A midpoint cross-coupling connector 354 may be connected between substring midpoint cross-couplings 336A and 336B to electrically connect substring midpoint cross-couplings 336A and 336B. Midpoint cross-coupling connector 354 can be any conductor (eg, ribbon wire). Although FIG. 3C illustrates a PV cell array 310C with two midpoint cross-couple connectors 354, any number of midpoint cross-couple connectors 354 may be used. By further parallelizing and symmetrizing the PV cell array 310C, the midpoint cross-coupling connector 354 may increase PV module efficiency and further improve the resistance of the PV module 300C to different partial shading conditions. Sub-substrings 106 (eg, rows) illustrated in FIG. 3C that have the same pattern may be considered symmetrical.

It can be appreciated that substring potential midpoints 107 may be disposed proximate PV module edges 344 when substrings 102 are arranged in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Substring midpoint cross-connect 336 connects directly to PV cell 104 at substring potential midpoint 107 , for example, by soldering a conductor (eg, ribbon wire) directly to PV cell 104 at substring potential midpoint 107 . can be Additionally or alternatively, substring midpoint cross-connect 336 may be connected to substring potential midpoint 107 away from PV cell 104 proximate PV module edge 344 . Such layouts and methods may enhance the simplicity and convenience of PV module production and/or manufacturing, among other advantages as described herein.

FIG. 3E illustrates an exemplary PV module 300E and PV cell array 310E in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 3F illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the example PV module 300E and PV cell array 310E of FIG. 3E. 1A-3D illustrate a PV cell array in which both terminals of each substring 102 are disposed in close proximity to terminals of the same polarity of adjacent substrings. In different configurations, substrings 102 may be arranged differently. Referring to FIGS. 3E and 3F, for example, considering different light blocking conditions, the terminals may be arranged according to FIG. 3E, for example:

のように配列されるように、ＰＶセルアレイ３１０Ｅ内にサブストリング１０２Ａを配設することが有利であり得る。そのような構成によれば、ＰＶセルアレイの両方の半分は、ＰＶセルアレイ正中線に関して鏡映されていると見なされ得る。サブストリング１０２Ａの全ては、並列に接続され得る。中点交差結合３３６Ａ及び３３６Ｂは、サブストリング１０２Ａの中点１０７に接続され得る。中点交差結合コネクタ３５４は、中点交差結合３３６に接続され得る。そのため、ＰＶセルアレイ３１０Ｅは、図３Ｅに従って、及び本明細書に記載するように、並列化及び対称化され得る。同じパターンを有する図３Ｅに図示するサブサブストリング１０６（例えば、行）は、対称であると見なされ得る。これにより、図３Ｅの構成に起因して、例えば、ＰＶセル１０４ＡＡを覆う遮光状態、及びＰＶセル１０４ＤＫを覆う遮光状態は、モジュールの異なる側にあり、異なるサブストリングに影響を及ぼすが、ＰＶセルアレイ３１０Ｅの１／６しか低減しない場合がある。

It may be advantageous to arrange the substrings 102A within the PV cell array 310E so that they are arranged as follows. With such a configuration, both halves of the PV cell array can be considered mirrored about the PV cell array midline. All of the substrings 102A may be connected in parallel. Midpoint cross-connects 336A and 336B may be connected to midpoint 107 of substring 102A. Midpoint cross-connect connector 354 may be connected to midpoint cross-connect 336 . As such, the PV cell array 310E may be parallelized and symmetrical according to FIG. 3E and as described herein. Sub-substrings 106 (eg, rows) illustrated in FIG. 3E that have the same pattern may be considered symmetrical. Thus, due to the configuration of FIG. 3E, for example, the shaded state over PV cell 104AA and the shaded state over PV cell 104DK are on different sides of the module and affect different substrings, but the PV cell array It may only reduce by a factor of 1/6 that of 310E.

FIG. 3G illustrates an exemplary PV module 300G and PV cell array 310G having an interleaved configuration according to this disclosure. FIG. 3H illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of the embodiment of PV module 300G and PV cell array 310G of FIG. 3G. FIG. 3E illustrates an example of a PV cell array 310 that is substantially mirrored about the midline. It may be advantageous to arrange the substrings within the PV cell array 310 such that the terminals are interleaved, depending on considerations, eg, shaded condition considerations. For example, referring to FIG. 3G, substring 102A is:

のように、ＰＶセルアレイ３１０Ｇの正中線に近接して終端するように配列され得る。これにより、ＰＶセルアレイ３１０Ｇの第１の半分の各端子は、ＰＶセルアレイ３１０Ｇの第２の半分上の反対の極性の端子の向かい側に配設され得る。サブストリング１０２Ａの全ては、並列に接続され得る。中点交差結合３３６Ａ及び３３６Ｂは、サブストリング１０２Ａの中点１０７に接続され得る。中点交差結合コネクタ３５４は、中点交差結合３３６に接続され得る。そのため、ＰＶセルアレイ３１０Ｇは、図３Ｇに従って、並列化及び対称化され得る。同じパターンを有する図３Ｇに図示するサブサブストリング１０６（例えば、行）は、対称であると見なされ得る。

may be arranged to terminate close to the midline of the PV cell array 310G, such as. This allows each terminal of the first half of the PV cell array 310G to be disposed opposite a terminal of opposite polarity on the second half of the PV cell array 310G. All of the substrings 102A may be connected in parallel. Midpoint cross-connects 336A and 336B may be connected to midpoint 107 of substring 102A. Midpoint cross-connect connector 354 may be connected to midpoint cross-connect 336 . As such, the PV cell array 310G can be parallelized and symmetrical according to FIG. 3G. Sub-substrings 106 (eg, rows) illustrated in FIG. 3G that have the same pattern may be considered symmetrical.

FIG. 3I illustrates the PV module 300G and PV cell array 310G of FIG. 3G in the context of a partially darkened state. Some advantages of the configuration of FIG. 3G can be understood with reference to FIG. 3I. Shading often arises from fixed elements (e.g., branches, leaves, static elements of nearby structures, etc.) and is thus discrete (as opposed to diffuse). There are many things. Referring to FIG. 3I, first blocking state 352A affects the entire bottom row of PV cell array 310G. Thus, the first blocking state 352A affects cells of two different substrings 102A (substrings 102AC and 102AD). Additionally, the affected substrings are on different halves of the PV cell array 310G. In other configurations, such light blocking conditions may reduce the production of larger portions of the PV cell array (eg, 1/3, 1/2, the entire array, etc.). However, due to the configuration and symmetry of the PV cell array 310G (of FIG. 3G), only ⅙ of the PV cell array 310G can be reduced (only rows under shaded conditions) and half of the unshaded substrings. (eg, unshaded rows) may continue to conduct. Similarly, a second blocking state 352B is shown affecting the second and third rows (sub-substrings 106AAB and 106ABA) on either side of PV cell array 310G. The second light blocking state 352B thereby covers (eg, reduces the illumination of the cells) the cells of two substrings 102 (substrings 102AA and 102AB). In other configurations, such light blocking conditions may reduce the production of larger portions of the PV cell array (eg, 1/3, 1/2, the entire array, etc.). However, due to the configuration and symmetry of the PV cell array 310G (of FIG. 3G), only 1/6 of the array can be reduced (only rows under shaded conditions) and half of the unshaded substrings (e.g. , unshaded rows) may continue to conduct.

FIG. 3J illustrates a PV module 300J and PV cell array 300J having an interleaved configuration according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3K illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of an embodiment of PV module 300J and PV cell array 310J of FIG. 3J. As noted above, a PV cell array may comprise a single midpoint cross-coupling connector 354 (or any other quantity thereof). FIG. 3J illustrates a PV cell array 310J having an interleaved configuration substantially similar to PV cell array 310G of FIG. 3G, with only a single midpoint cross-couple connector 354. FIG. A single midpoint cross-connect connector 354 may extend from the two midpoint cross-connects 336A and 336B. The midpoint cross-coupling connector 354 may be positioned proximate to the midline (eg, transverse midline) of the PV cell array 310J. Such an arrangement may reduce conduction losses over other configurations. Alternatively, the single midpoint cross-coupling connector 354 may be at different locations (eg, above or below the PV cell array 310J). A midpoint cross-coupling connector 354 may be routed between any of the rows of substrings 102 (eg, as shown in FIG. 3J). Additionally or alternatively, the midpoint cross-coupling connector 354 may be routed behind (eg, underneath) the PV cell array 310J, eg, to conserve space within the PV cell array 310J.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary PV module 400 and PV cell array 410 having electrically parallel substrings in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The solid black and solid white lines shown in FIG. 4A illustrate the conductive paths. For example, solid white lines may be conductive paths through the silicon of PV cells 104, and solid black lines may be conductive paths through, for example, ribbon wires. However, the conductive pathways can pass through any number of different conductive media, such as PV cells, silver fingers, busbars, conductive backsheets, ribbon wires, and the like. FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of an embodiment of the PV module 400 and PV cell array 410 of FIG. 4A. 4A and 4B, a bypass diode 438 may be added to the PV module 400. FIG. Bypass diodes 438 may be added between the substring midpoint cross-coupling 336 and the negative bus of the PV module 400 and between the substring midpoint cross-coupling 336 and the positive bus of the PV module 400 . Bypass diodes 438 allow a portion (eg, half) of PV cell array 410 to be bypassed when, for example, a portion (eg, half) of PV cell array 410 is shaded or receives reduced illumination. can be A bypass diode 438 may be added between the substring midpoint cross-coupling 336 and the positive and/or negative buses of the PV module 400, for example, at the location shown in FIG. (eg, on a conductive backsheet as described in more detail herein) or within a junction box 242 (eg, a single junction box 242A). Additionally, a bypass diode 438 may be added to either or both of the substring midpoint cross-couples 336A, 336B. Alternatively, bypass diode 438 may be omitted from the configuration. According to some aspects of the disclosure, power electronics 3202 as described herein may perform, among other functions (eg, DC-DC conversion, inversion, etc.) as described herein: of substrings 102 under misaligned and/or partial shading conditions (e.g., by bypassing substrings and/or optimizing substrings, moving substrings to safe operating points, etc.) It can be used to control behavior. Power electronics 3202 may be utilized with or without bypass diode 438 .

For example, any of the PV generators (eg, PV cells, PV cell strings, PV cell arrays, etc.) described herein may be used with or without bypass diodes. For example, the diodes may be connected in parallel with one PV generator, or may be connected in parallel with multiple series-connected PV generators. Such diodes may act to bypass the PV generator to which they may be connected. For example, bypass diodes may provide a low resistance path around one or more PV generators in a PV array that may be experiencing production degradation (eg, partial shade conditions). Alternatively, any of the PV generators described herein may be combined with power electronics (eg, PE3202) without bypass diodes. For example, the power electronics 3202 may be connected in parallel with one PV generator, or may be connected in parallel with multiple series-connected PV generators. Additionally or alternatively, multiple series-connected PV generator groups may be connected to a single power electronics circuit. For example, multiple substrings of a PV cell array may be connected to a single power electronic device and/or multiple PV modules may be connected to a single power electronic device. Power electronics 3202 may detect operating conditions of a PV generator, or a portion of multiple PV generators to which power electronics 3202 are connected (e.g., power electronics 3202 may detect PV generator power, current, and/or voltage can be detected or sensed). Power electronics 3202 may change the operating point of one or more PV generators to which it is connected. For example, the power electronics 3202 may detect and/or sense a partial shading condition or other reduced illumination condition in the plurality of PV generators or a portion of the plurality of PV generators to which the power electronics 3202 are connected. can. Power electronics 3202 may bypass the affected PV generator. Alternatively, the power electronics 3202 may move and/or change the operating point of the affected PV generator to a safe point and/or an efficient operating point, for example. Power electronics 3202 may comprise, for example, a power converter configured to operate a PV generator or a portion of a plurality of PV generators according to a maximum power tracking (MPPT) algorithm.

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary PV module 500 and PV cell array 510 having electrically parallel substrings 102 in accordance with one or more aspects. The solid black and solid white lines shown in FIG. 5A illustrate the conductive paths. For example, solid white lines may be conductive paths through the silicon of PV cells 104, and solid black lines may be conductive paths through, for example, ribbon wires. However, the conductive pathways can pass through any number of different conductive media, such as PV cells, silver fingers, busbars, conductive backsheets, ribbon wires, and the like. FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of an embodiment of the PV module 500 and PV cell array 510 of FIG. 5A. As discussed herein, a PV module may have a single junction box 242A in which electrical connections may be arranged as described herein. In addition, PV module 500 may have positive and negative terminals or leads connected to the positive and negative buses of PV cell array 510, respectively. The leads may exit from or be connected to a junction box (eg, first junction box 242BA and/or second junction box 242BB). As shown in FIG. 5A, PV module 500 may include first junction box 242BA and second junction box 242BB. The connection of substring 102 may be made at either first junction box 242BA and/or second junction box 242BB. PV module leads may be connected to either the first junction box 242BA and/or the second junction box 242BB. For example, the positive lead may connect to, exit from and/or connect to the positive bus of the PV module 500 in the first junction box 242BA, and the negative lead may connect to the second may be connected to the negative bus of the PV module 500 in the second junction box 242BB and out and/or connected to the second junction box 242BB. Either lead may connect to and/or exit from either the first junction box 242BA or the second junction box 242BB. Alternatively, both leads may exit and/or be connected to one of the two junction boxes 242BA and/or 242BB. Additionally, either of the two junction boxes 242BA or 242BB may contain power electronics (PE) (eg, PE3202 as shown in FIG. 32) or other electronics as described in more detail herein and/or It may be integrated (eg, with PV cell array 510).

Depending on the application and circumstances, it may be advantageous to selectively orient the PV modules and the PV cell arrays disposed on the PV modules. For example, PV modules (eg, PV modules 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500) can be rectangular in shape (eg, having long and short Depending on the relationship, azimuth, etc., the PV modules may be oriented horizontally (e.g., with the long ends of the PV modules extending side-to-side) or vertically (e.g., with the short ends of the PV modules It may be advantageous to wear it with a left-right extension). As described herein, the PV module may be split in half substantially along the midline, the first half of the substrings 102 being disposed on the first half of the PV module; A second half of the substring 102 is disposed on the second half of the PV module. In some aspects and applications, PV modules may be divided by a reference midline that divides the PV module length. In such an aspect, a row of sub-substrings 106 may extend from the midline to the short side of the PV module, extending substantially half the length of the PV module (defining a laterally oriented PV cell array). It can be appreciated that, according to some applications, PV modules with horizontally oriented PV cell arrays can be mounted either horizontally or vertically with respect to the horizontal line. A PV module with a horizontal PV cell array may include substrings 102 with two-row substrings 102A, four-row substrings 102B, or alternative numbers of rows. In other aspects and applications, the PV modules may be divided by a midline dividing the PV module width for illustrative purposes. In such an aspect, a row of sub-substrings 106 may extend from the midline to the PV module long edge, extending substantially half the PV module width (defining a vertically oriented PV cell array). . It can be appreciated that, depending on the application, PV modules with vertically oriented PV cell arrays can be mounted either horizontally or vertically with respect to the horizontal line. A PV module with a vertically oriented PV cell array may include two-row substrings 102A, four-row busstrings 102B, or substrings with alternate numbers of rows. According to aspects of the present disclosure, PV modules and PV cell arrays may have a substantially square aspect ratio. A PV module with a square PV cell array may include two-row substrings 102A, four-row substrings 102B, or substrings with alternate numbers of rows.

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary PV module 600 having a vertically oriented PV cell array 610 . The solid black lines shown in FIG. 6A illustrate the conductive paths. Conductive pathways can pass through any number of different conductive media, such as PV cells, silver fingers, busbars, conductive backsheets, ribbon wires, and the like. FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of an embodiment of the PV module 600 and PV cell array 610 of FIG. 6A. Similar to PV cell arrays with a horizontal orientation, the vertically oriented PV cell array 610 is designed so that all substrings can be electrically connected in parallel with minimal conductor crossings outside the junction box (e.g., junction box 242A). can be arranged. Such an arrangement may allow for improved PV module performance and reduced manufacturing costs and complexity, such as reduced conductor shielding and/or insulation. The substrings may be arranged on the PV module 600 as four row substrings 102B within rows of four quad subsubstrings 106B. For example, a four-row substring 102BA may be divided into four quad subsubstrings 106BAA, 106BAB, 106BAC, and 106BAD. As such, the number of quad sub-substrings 102B per PV module 600 half can be equal to the number of 4-row substrings 102B per PV module 600 half multiplied by four. Each four-row substring 102B may extend as follows: a first quad sub-substring 106B (e.g., quad sub-substring 106BAA) extends from a positive terminal proximate the PV module midline to the PV module edge; can extend up to the substring potential 1/4 point close to . A second quad sub-substring 106B (eg, quad sub-substring 106BAB) may extend from a substring potential quarter point to a substring potential midpoint proximate to the PV module midline. A third quad sub-substring 106B (e.g., quad sub-substring 106BAC) may extend from a potential midpoint to a substring potential 3/4 point proximate the PV module edge, and a fourth quad sub-substring 106B (e.g., quad sub-substring 106BAC) , quad sub-substring 106BAD) may extend from the substring potential 3/4 point to the substring negative terminal proximate to the PV module midline.

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary PV module 700 and PV cell array 710 having a portrait orientation, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. The solid black and solid white lines shown in FIG. 7A illustrate the conductive paths. For example, solid white lines may be conductive paths through the silicon of PV cells 104, and solid black lines may be conductive paths through, for example, ribbon wires. However, the conductive pathways can pass through any number of different conductive media, such as PV cells, silver fingers, busbars, conductive backsheets, ribbon wires, and the like. FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of an embodiment of the PV module 700 and PV cell array 710 of FIG. 7A. 7A and 7B, similar to the two-row substrings 102A described herein, the positive terminal of each four-row substring 102B is adjacent to the positive terminal of the first adjacent four-row substring 102B. , and the negative terminal of each four-row substring 102B may be terminated and electrically connected closely to the negative terminal of the second adjacent four-row substring 102B. For example, the positive terminal of four-row substring 102BA may terminate in close proximity to and be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the first adjacent four-row substring 102BF, and the negative terminal of four-row substring 102BA may be the It may terminate proximate to and electrically connect to the negative terminals of two adjacent four-row substrings 102BB.

Similar to the 2-row substring 102A PV modules described herein, the 4-row substring 102B PV modules (eg, PV modules 600 and 700) may include a junction box 242A. Electrical connections may be left to complete the parallel connection of the four row substrings 102B. Junction box 242A is such an electrical junction that positive and negative PV cell array buses (e.g., conductors) may be routed into junction box 242A and positive and negative lines of PV cell array 710 may be connected to respective buses. can facilitate social connections. For example, conductors may be electrically connected to positive connections between four-row substrings 102BA and 102BF, between four-row substrings 102BB and 102BC, and between four-row substrings 102BD and 102BE. Conductors may be routed into junction box 242A and connected to each other. Additionally, conductors may be electrically connected to the negative connections between four-row substrings 102BA and 102BB, between four-row substrings 102BC and 102BD, and between four-row substrings 102BE and 102BF. Conductors may be routed into junction box 242A and connected to each other. As will be appreciated, arranging the four-row substrings 102B in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure allows parallel connection of all the four-row substrings 102B without conductor crossings outside the junction box 242A. can make it possible. The positive and negative leads of the PV module may be added to the positive and negative buses of the PV cell array and exit the junction box 242 and may be disposed therein or connected thereto. The PV modules of the 4-row substring 102B can then be used as described herein in a power system.

Similar to the PV modules of the two-row substring 102A, the PV modules of the four-row substring 102B may include multiple junction boxes (eg, first junction box 242BA and second junction box 242BB). Substring 102 connections as described herein may be made within any junction box. PV module leads may be connected with an optional junction box 242 . Either lead may connect to and/or exit from any junction box 242 . Alternatively, both leads may exit one of the plurality of junction boxes 242 and/or be connected to one of the plurality of junction boxes 242 . Additionally, any of junction boxes 242 may house and/or integrate power electronics (PE) (eg, PE 3202 as shown in FIG. 32) or other electronics as described in further detail herein. obtain.

Still referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the PV module 700 includes one or more substring 3/4 point cross-connects 756 (eg, positioned at the substring potential 3/4 point) and one or more substring 3/4 points. String quarter-point cross-links 758 (eg, positioned at sub-string potential quarter-points) may be included. The substring 3/4 point cross-coupling 756 and the substring 1/4 point cross-coupling may be used, for example, by increasing the level of parallelization of the 4-row substring 102B and the PV cell array 710 to reduce partial shading or other misalignment conditions. It may improve the power output of PV cell array 710 underneath. A substring 3/4 point cross-couple 756 may electrically connect the potential 3/4 points of two adjacent substrings 102 . Similarly, a substring quarter-point cross-couple 758 may electrically connect the potential quarter-points of two adjacent substrings. For example, substring 3/4 point cross-coupling 756 may electrically connect the potential 3/4 point of 4-row substring 102BA to the potential 3/4 point of 4-row substring 102BB. Further, substring quarter point cross-coupling 758 may electrically connect the potential quarter point of four-row substring 102BB to the potential quarter point of four-row substring 102BC. The PV module 700 may include only substring 3/4 point cross-connects 756, substring 1/4 point cross-connects 758 only, or both.

When the 4-row substrings 102B are arranged according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the substring potential 3/4 point and the substring potential 1/4 point are close to the PV module edge and/or PV cell array edge. can be arranged as Further, as a result of the four-row substring 102B arrangement of the present disclosure, the four-row substring 102B (e.g., four-row substring 102BB) and the first adjacent four-row substring 102B (e.g., four-row substring 102BA) The potential 3/4 point and the potential 1/4 point of the 4-row substring 102B (e.g., 4-row substring 102BB) and the second adjacent 4-row substring 102B (e.g., 4-row substring 102BC) are They can be close to each other without other potential points intervening. The terms first adjacency and second adjacency are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Among other connection methods, ribbon wires or other conductors are soldered directly to the potential 3/4 points of adjacent four-row substrings 102B with no conductor crossovers from other conductors, or otherwise electrically connected. It can be understood that they can be physically connected. Similarly, among other connection methods, a single ribbon wire or other conductor is soldered directly to the potential quarter point of two adjacent four-row substrings 102B with no conductor crossovers from other conductors. , or otherwise electrically connected. Such apparatus and methods may allow increased ease, and reduced cost and complexity, of manufacturing PV modules according to the present disclosure.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although two-row substrings and four-row substrings are illustrated and described in detail herein, the present disclosure contemplates substrings with additional rows of sub-substrings. Yo. Specifically, for example, the present disclosure may be practiced with substrings comprising rows of at least any even number of subsubstrings. For substrings with any even number of substrings, the positive terminal of every substring may terminate in close proximity to the positive terminal of the first adjacent substring, and the negative terminal of every substring may terminate in the It may terminate close to the negative terminal of two adjacent substrings. Furthermore, the substring

電位点は、第１の上又は下に隣接するサブストリングの

The potential point of the substring adjacent above or below the first

電位点に交差結合され得、サブストリングの

can be cross-coupled to potential points, substrings

電位点は、第２の上又は下に隣接する

The potential point is adjacent above or below the second

サブストリングの電位点に交差結合され得、ここで、ｎはサブストリング内のサブサブストリングの行数である。

can be cross-coupled to the potential points of the substrings, where n is the number of rows of sub-substrings within the substring.

Additional static reconfiguration may be utilized to further mitigate the effects of misalignment or partial shading conditions and/or reduce manufacturing complexity. A high degree of substring parallelism can be achieved while maintaining substring spatial separation and simplified rear PV cell array connections and fabrication. Additionally or alternatively, a high degree of cross-coupling electrical connections as described herein may be achieved according to aspects of the present disclosure. Such an arrangement can reduce the incidence of shading within the same group of substrings, thereby increasing noise by spreading the effects of reduced illumination or partial shading conditions over a larger area of the PV cell array. May allow match state relaxation and improved performance. Further, the arrangements of the present disclosure may additionally or alternatively reduce manufacturing difficulties by utilizing a conductive backsheet as described herein. Such an arrangement can be achieved using a rear contact PV cell 904 (eg, metal wrap through (MWT), interdigitated back contact (IBC), etc.) and a conductive backsheet 901 .

FIG. 9A illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 901A of the exemplary distributed PV cell array 1010 of FIGS. 10A and 10B. Conductive backsheet 901 can be made from any conductive material (eg, copper, silver, etc.). The conductive backsheet 901 is cut in a particular pattern (illustrated as black lines in FIG. 9A), eg, via a laser cutter, plasma cutter, etc., to provide conductive areas (between the cuts) as desired. shown as white spaces). The conductive region includes a conductive pad 908 configured to electrically join adjacent rear contact PV cells 904 (e.g., configured to electrically connect two adjacent rear contact PV cells 904 in series). conductive pads 908) and conductive traces 940 and 912 configured to carry power (eg, conductive traces 940A, 940B, 940C, 940D, 960A, and 960B, etc.). The terms conductive pad 908 and conductive traces 940 and 960 are merely exemplary terms for the more general conductive regions and should not be construed to limit the scope of this disclosure. Conductive pad 908 may terminate in conductive trace 940 or 960 (see, eg, conductive trace 960A of TCT substring 902A in FIG. 9B), and conductive trace 940 or 960 terminates in conductive pad 908. obtain. Additionally or alternatively, the conductive regions may function as both conductive pads 908 and conductive traces 940 or 960, or neither. The rear contact PV cells 904 may be electrically attached to the conductive backsheet 901 by, for example, a conductive paste to form the desired distributed PV cell array 1010 as described herein. Various forms of conductive backsheets are contemplated, some of which are described in greater detail herein.

All of the conductive backsheets described herein integrate one or more electronics (e.g., power electronics) with the conductive backsheet PV cell array by incorporating circuitry and/or circuit paths directly into the conductive backsheet. For example, it may facilitate connection and/or use with PE3202), passive electronics, etc.). For example, conductive pathways (eg, conductive traces) may be etched and/or otherwise formed in the conductive backsheet. The conductive pathways allow electronics (e.g., power electronics (e.g., PE3202), passive electronics, etc.) to be easily added (e.g., plugged, connected, soldered, etc.) to the backsheet so that the electronics It can be configured to be connectable to one or more additional electronics and/or PV generators of the conductive backsheet PV cell array. For example, the power electronics (eg, PE3202) may be provided as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The one or more conductive traces can be any of the conductive traces herein so that one or more power electronics ASICs can be simply connected (e.g., plugged, soldered, etc.) to the conductive backsheet. It may be etched into the backsheet and/or otherwise formed. Conductive traces etched into and/or otherwise formed in the conductive backsheet may connect one or more power electronics ASICs with one or more PV generators in the PV cell array of the conductive backsheet. . In this way the power electronics can be simply connected with the conductive backsheet PV cell array at different levels of granularity. For example, in this way power electronics can be added and connected to each PV cell, to each string of PV cells, and/or to an entire PV cell array (eg, PV module) of the conductive backsheet. can be Such electronics can be integrated into PV cell arrays at the production stage. In addition, such electronics may reduce the parts required for embedded electronics (e.g., electronics added to PV cell arrays after array production, as opposed to electronics embedded in a conductive backsheet). , may require dedicated housings, dedicated connectors, extension conductors, etc.). In addition, such electronics can be incorporated into PV cell arrays at different levels of granularity. For example, electronics added to the PV cell array after array production may affect only the power produced by the entire array (eg, because such electronics may be connected to PV array leads). On the other hand, integrating electronics into the conductive backsheet may allow integration of electronics at any level of the PV cell array, eg, PV string level or PV cell level. Thus, incorporating electronics into a conductive backsheet as described herein can reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of PV cell arrays.

FIG. 10A illustrates electrical interconnectivity of an exemplary 3×3 substring cross-coupled distributed PV cell array 1010, according to one or more aspects. For purposes of illustration only, the interspersed substrings 1002 (eg, interspersed substrings 1002A, 1002B, etc.) are patterned in the figures. Many examples of scatter substrings 1002 are provided herein (eg, 1002A, 1002B, 1002C, etc.) and are generally referred to as scatter substrings. Distributed substrings 1002 (eg, 1002A, 1002B, and 1002C) of the same reference pattern may be electrically connected in parallel. Electrical connections between distributed substrings 1002 may be referred to as electrical buses 1040A, 1040B, 1040C, and 1040D (eg, conductors) in FIG. It corresponds to the electrical connection provided by 940D.

FIG. 10B illustrates an exemplary physical layout of distributed substrings 1002 of the exemplary 3×3 conductive backsheet PV cell array 1010A of FIG. 10A, according to one or more aspects. Distributed substrings 1002 may be arranged and/or arranged within distributed PV cell array 1010A in a certain amount of rows and columns (eg, 3 rows by 3 columns). Although FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an exemplary PV cell array having three rows and three columns, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles herein apply to PV cell arrays having different numbers of rows and/or columns ( 11A, 12B, and 14A-24B). Distributed substrings 1002 may be electrically connected in parallel (e.g., as in FIG. 10A) or may be spatially arranged differently (e.g., as in FIG. 10B), e.g., distributed PV It may be spatially distributed within the cell array 1010A and/or over the PV module (eg, parallel-connected substrings 1002 arranged in different rows and/or different columns). For example, referring to FIG. 10A, distributed substrings 1002A and 1002B may be electrically connected in parallel. However, referring to FIG. 10B, interspersed substrings 1002A and 1002B may not be physically adjacent, but may be arranged in different rows and/or different columns, for example. Such an arrangement may allow distribution of the shading effect across the distributed PV cell array 1010A, maximizing power output under mismatched or partial shading conditions.

Electrically connecting such spatially distributed PV cell arrays in electrical parallel using conventional methods of PV cell array production is complex and consumes design time and cost. There is Conventional methods reduce overall costs in production, but can create additional design constraints. By utilizing the apparatus, systems, and methods of the present disclosure, increased mitigation of such partial shading conditions may be achieved while reducing the complexity of electrically connecting PV arrays. For example, the conductive regions resulting in the highly parallelized, spatially distributed PV cell array topology of the present disclosure can be simply patterned into, for example, a conductive backsheet 901 as described herein ( Furthermore, arrangements such as those described with respect to FIGS. 11J and 11K can be exploited to realize a simplified electrically parallel-connected spatially distributed PV cell array without the use of a conductive backsheet. .

Referring to FIG. 9A, a conductive backsheet 901A can be patterned to form desired conductive areas. Cuts or areas devoid of conductive material in the conductive backsheet 901A may be illustrated as black lines, while conductive areas are marked with exemplary conductive material removal and/or conductive material as described herein. can be illustrated by the areas remaining after the deposition of the soft material. Rear-contact PV cells 904 may be disposed on and electrically connected to the conductive regions that form distributed substrings 1002 . Multiple examples of rear-contact PV cells 904 are illustrated herein (eg, rear-contact PV cells 904IA, 904IB, 904GA, 904GB, etc.) and are generally referred to as rear-contact PV cells 904 . FIG. 9A shows three distributed substrings 1002 (corresponding to distributed substrings 1002G, 1002H, and 1002I in FIGS. 10A and 10B) having an exemplary transparent rear-contact PV cell 904 superimposed on a conductive backsheet 901A. The scatter substring 1002) is illustrated. Rear contact PV cells 904 corresponding to other distributed substrings 1002 (eg, distributed substrings 1002A, 1002B, etc.) have been omitted from FIG. 9A for clarity of illustration and description. Conductive traces 940A, 940B, 940C and 940D of FIG. 9A correspond to electrical buses 1040A, 1040B, 1040C and 1040D of FIG. 10A, respectively. According to aspects of this disclosure, distributed substrings 1002 may be electrically connected in parallel to maintain spatial distribution within distributed PV cell array 1010A. For example, distributed substrings 1002G, 1002H, and 1002I may be connected in parallel via conductive trace 940A (corresponding to electrical bus 1040A) and conductive trace 940B (corresponding to electrical bus 1040B), but spatially may be arranged diagonally across the conductive backsheet 901A and the distributed PV cell array 1010A, not adjacent to each other (eg, in different rows and columns). Such a parallel electrical configuration, along with a distributed spatial arrangement, can increase the PV module's resistance to the effects of mismatch or partial shading conditions as described herein. Additionally, the use of conductive backsheet 901 and rear-contact PV cells 904 may alleviate some of the complex and time-consuming electrical connections required to implement distributed PV cell array 1010 . Additionally, the use of a conductive backsheet 901 and rear contact PV cells 904 can reduce the occurrence of imperfect electrical connections during conventional PV cell array production.

Still referring to FIG. 9A, distributed PV modules may have junction boxes 942 . Some or all of the conductive traces 940 (eg, conductive trace 940A, conductive trace 940B, conductive trace 940C, etc.) may terminate within junction box 942. FIG. Conductive traces 940 may then be selectively electrically connected to complete the distributed PV cell array circuit. Conductive backsheet PV module terminals or leads may be connected to the conductive backsheet PV module at junction box 942 . The conductive backsheet PV module leads may allow access to the power generated by the conductive backsheet PV module, allowing the addition of the conductive backsheet PV module to a larger power system. Conductive backsheet PV module leads may, for example, allow conductive backsheet PV modules to be connected to other PV modules either in series, in parallel, or in any other arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, the conductive backsheet PV module leads may be used to power optimizers, maximum power point trackers (MPPT), DC-DC converters, string inverters, microcontrollers, as described in more detail herein. It may allow for connections to conductive backsheet PV modules such as inverters, batteries, and the like.

FIG. 9B illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 901B, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. Conductive backsheet 901B may be any of the aspects of conductive backsheets 901A, 901C, 901F, 901G, and 901H (as well as in connection with conductive backsheet 901), unless otherwise noted with respect to conductive backsheet 901B. generally described) (eg, methods of production, methods of electrically connecting rear-contact PV cells, etc.). Referring to FIG. 9B, additional and/or alternative substring interconnection schemes may be implemented utilizing aspects of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 9B illustrates a 10-row TCT substring 902 of two rear-contact PV cells 904 per row. Rear contact PV cell 904 is shown semi-transparent for illustration purposes. The black lines represent areas without conductive material, and the white spaces between the black lines represent conductive areas. By removing or not removing certain areas of the conductive backsheet 901B, cross-coupling between parallel-connected rear-contact PV cells 904 can be readily obtained. 9B, each row of TCT substrings 902 may include two rear-contact PV cells 904 electrically connected in parallel to each other via conductive pads 908 (i.e., each rear-contact PV cell 904 A terminal of one polarity may be electrically connected to a terminal of the same polarity of rear-contact PV cells 904 on the same substring row). The substring rows may be connected in series to the upper and/or lower rows via conductive pads (one polarity terminal of each row is electrically connected to the opposite polarity terminal of the upper and/or lower row). can be directly connected). Further, by not removing conductive material between rear-contact PV cells 904 in a row, adjacent rows are electrically in direct contact with total cross-couples (TCTs) as TCT substrings 902 (eg, 902A, 902B, etc.). They may be connected in parallel to further improve partial shade mitigation and/or mismatch mitigation of the PV cell array. A TCT substring 902 (eg, 902A) may be connected in series with another TCT substring 902 (eg, 902B). Referring to FIG. 9B, TCT substring 902A may be connected in series to TCT substring 902B via conductive trace 960B. Similarly, TCT substring 902B may be connected in series to TCT substring 902C via conductive trace 960C. Alternatively, some or all of the TCT substrings 902 may be electrically connected in parallel. As with other exemplary aspects, it will be appreciated that the conductive backsheet 901B of FIG. 9B may include conductive pads 908 terminating in conductive traces 960 and vice versa. Thus, conductive pad 908 and conductive trace 960 are shown as one continuous conductive area.

Power generated by TCT substring 902 may be transmitted to junction box 942 via conductive traces 960 (eg, 960A, 960B, etc.). Some or all of the conductive traces 960 terminate within junction box 942 . Conductive traces 960 may then be selectively electrically connected to complete the circuit of the distributed PV cell array of conductive backsheet 901B. TCT substrings 902 may be further connected in series, series-parallel, parallel, and/or TCT at junction box 942 . Conductive traces 960 run along the sides of the substrings (eg, conductive trace 960A along distributed substring 902A) and between substrings (eg, conductive trace 960C runs along distributed substring 902E). 902F), along the sides of conductive backsheet 901B (eg, conductive traces 960A along distributed substrings 902A), toward the center of conductive backsheet 901B (eg, conductive The conductive traces 960A may be routed elsewhere on the conductive backsheet 901B (along the distributed substrings 902A), or any combination of the above. FIG. 9B illustrates a conductive backsheet PV module with a single junction box 942. FIG. According to other aspects of the disclosure, a distributed PV module may include multiple junction boxes. Some electrical connections between conductive traces 960 may be implemented within one junction box, and other electrical connections between conductive traces 960 may be implemented within another junction box. Conductive backsheet PV module terminals or leads may be disposed within junction box 942 . Alternatively, in a multi-junction box configuration, the conductive backsheet PV module terminals or leads may be disposed in any of the multiple junction boxes and/or may differ among the multiple junction boxes. may be split.

FIG. 9C illustrates a cross-section of the exemplary conductive backsheet 901A of FIG. 9A having multiple thicknesses. Conductive backsheets 901 (eg, conductive backsheets 901A-901G) can be of uniform thickness. Alternatively, the conductive backsheets 901 (eg, conductive backsheets 901A-901G) may be of non-uniform thickness (eg, may include different thicknesses and/or multiple thicknesses). . Advantages of a non-uniform thickness (eg, multiple thicknesses) backsheet 901 may be realized for conductive traces 940 (and 960) or pads 908 that require increased current carrying capacity. For example, referring to FIG. 9A, conductive trace 940A may be routed from distributed substring 1002G (in the upper left corner of the PV cell array) to junction box 942. FIG. Conductive trace 940A may carry current generated by distributed substring 1002G to junction box 942 . Therefore, it may be advantageous for conductive trace 940A (and/or other conductive traces 940) to be of sufficient cross-section to carry the generated current while minimizing resistance. Additionally, conductive traces 940A (and other conductive traces 940) may be routed along other distributed substrings (e.g., conductive trace 940 from distributed substring 1002G may be routed along with distributed substring 1002H). (which may be routed to the right of substring 1002H and adjacent distributed substring 1002H), adds "dead space" to distributed PV cell array 1100 in which no rear contact PV cells can be disposed. Thus, increasing the width of conductive trace 940 (eg, conductive trace 940A from distributed substring 1002G) can increase the "dead space" and overall size of distributed PV cell array 1010, resulting in Reducing the width of 940 (eg, conductive trace 940A from distributed substring 1002G) can cause an increase in resistance to current flow along conductive trace 940. FIG.

To alleviate this conflict, the conductive backsheets 901 (eg, conductive backsheets 901A-901G) can be of multiple (eg, non-uniform) thicknesses. For example, the conductive backsheet 901 can be of a certain thickness relative to the area lining the conductive pads 908 and rear contact PV cells 904, allowing for longer conductive traces 940 (e.g., distributed substrings 1002G to junction boxes 942). or the conductive trace 960A of FIG. 9B routed from the TCT substring 902A to the junction box 942) or compared to other traces. It may be of another thickness (eg, thicker) for traces intended to carry the current. The conductive backsheet 901 can have different areas with different thicknesses depending on the application. Multiple (eg, non-uniform) thickness conductive backsheets 901 may be patterned from a non-uniform thickness stock conductive backsheet. Additionally or alternatively, a layer of conductive material may be applied to the conductive backsheet 901 of uniform or otherwise non-uniform thickness. For example, the conductive material may be deposited on the back side of the conductive trace 940A routing from the distributed substring 1002G, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area of the conductive trace 940A and providing multiple thicknesses of the conductive back. A sheet 901 is provided.

FIG. 9D illustrates a cross section of the exemplary conductive backsheet 901 of FIG. 9A as a PCB type backsheet. Conductive backsheets 901 (eg, conductive backsheets 901A-901G) may include a printed circuit board (PCB) type design. A PCB-type conductive backsheet 901 may include a single layer or multiple layers of conductive material disposed over a single layer or multiple layers of a dielectric substrate (eg, fiberglass, prepreg, etc.). Conductive areas and circuits may be etched or otherwise patterned into the conductive layer. Additionally or alternatively, the conductive region may be deposited on the dielectric substrate (e.g., via chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, etc.) using multiple layers of conductive material. good too. For example, a two conductive layer PCB-type conductive backsheet 901 has a first (eg, top) conductive layer 968 , an intermediate dielectric layer 970 , and a second (eg, bottom) conductive layer 972 . You may The conductive layers (eg, top conductive layer and bottom conductive layer) may be electrically connected if desired, eg, via via holes 974 . Such a PCB-type conductive backsheet 901 design may minimize or substantially eliminate "dead space" in the conductive pathways. For example, the top conductive layer 968 may include only conductive regions (eg, conductive pads 908) that function to serially connect the rear-contact PV cells 904 of each distributed substring 1002, whereas the distributed substrings 1002 may not include conductive traces 940 or 960 for interconnecting. With such a configuration, the distributed substring 1002 and the TCT substring 902 can be disposed substantially close to each other without “dead space” for conductive paths 940 or 960 . Conductive traces 940 or 960 for interconnecting distributed substrings 1002 or TCT substrings 902 may be disposed on bottom conductive layer 972 . Conductive regions (eg, conductive pads 908) at the terminals of each or some of the distributed substrings 1002 or TCT substrings 902 connect to conductive regions (eg, conductive traces 940) on the bottom conductive layer 972. can. Top conductive layer 968 and bottom conductive layer 972 may be electrically connected to each other by, for example, via holes 974 through dielectric substrate 970 . The top conductive layer and/or the bottom conductive layer may optionally include conductive regions for providing other electrical connections (eg, integrated electronics as discussed herein). Utilizing such a PCB-type conductive backsheet allows for conductive pathways 940 and 960 of varying cross-sectional areas by utilizing multiple layers of conductive material, reducing the amount of conductive pathway "dead space". ” can be reduced or substantially eliminated. PCB-type conductive backsheets may include one, two, or more layers of conductive material, and each layer may be separated by a dielectric (eg, fiberglass, prepreg, etc.). Such PCB-type conductive backsheets can be used for electronics (e.g., power electronics as discussed in more detail herein) by incorporating circuitry for such electronics directly into the PCB-type conductive backsheets. can facilitate integration with a conductive backsheet PV module.

Various sizes of distributed PV cell arrays 1010 may be implemented utilizing aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 11A illustrates the electrical interconnectivity of an exemplary 4×4 cross-coupled distributed PV cell array. 10A and 10B, distributed substrings 1002 (eg, distributed substrings 1002A, 1002B, 1002C, and 1002D) illustrated in a similar pattern may be electrically connected in parallel. FIG. 11B illustrates an exemplary distributed substring 1002 arrangement of the exemplary 4×4 PV cell array of FIG. 11A, according to one or more aspects. According to aspects herein, producing PV cell arrays of electrically parallel-connected and spatially distributed substrings 1002 may be simplified. Electrically connecting such electrically parallel and spatially distributed PV cell arrays using conventional methods of PV cell array production can result in high design time and cost. Such production may require, for example, complex conductor wiring, which may require multiple layers of insulation and/or shielding. As can be appreciated, various spatially distributed substrings connected electrically in parallel can be achieved using the distributed PV cell array 1010 of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 11A illustrates four distributed substrings 1002A, 1002B, 1002C, and 1002D connected in parallel. FIG. 11B illustrates an exemplary spatially distributed layout or topology in which distributed substrings 1002A, 1002B, 1002C, and 1002D are spatially distributed throughout distributed PV cell array 1010. FIG. Using conventional methods, conductive wires (eg, ribbon wires) can be routed up and down the PV cell array to implement such schemes. Conductive wires may also require shielding and insulation from other conductive wires. On the other hand, utilizing aspects of the present disclosure, a pattern of conductive pathways is created in the conductive backsheet 901, electrically connected in parallel and spatially dispersed (i.e., non-adjacent) distributed substrings 1002 of distributed PV cell arrays. Similar simplified electrical interconnectivity may apply to all distributed PV cell array topologies and configurations of this disclosure.

FIG. 11C illustrates electrical interconnectivity of an exemplary 3×2 distributed PV cell array in accordance with one or more aspects. 3×3 (see, eg, FIGS. 9A, 10A, 10B and related description) and 4×4 (see, eg, FIGS. 11A and 11B and related description) conductive backsheet PV cell arrays are illustrated. However, larger and smaller arrays (eg, 2×2, 5×5, etc.) can be implemented as well and are contemplated herein. Although symmetrical conductive backsheet PV arrays 1010A and 1010B (eg, 3×3 as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, 4×4 as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B) are illustrated, asymmetric conductive backsheet PV arrays 1010A and 1010B are shown. Sheet PV arrays (eg, 3×4, 4×3, etc.) can be similarly implemented and are contemplated herein. Referring to FIG. 11C, aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented using an asymmetric conductive backsheet PV cell array 100C. FIG. 11C illustrates a 3×2 conductive backsheet PV cell array 100C. Similar to FIGS. 10A-10B and FIGS. 11A-11B, distributed substrings 1002 (eg, distributed substrings 1002A and 1002B) having similar exemplary patterns can be electrically connected in parallel with each other. FIG. 11D illustrates an exemplary distributed substring 1002 arrangement of the exemplary 3×2 PV cell array 1010C of FIG. 11C, or according to a more aspect. Referring to FIG. 11D, distributed substrings 1002A and 1002B may be electrically connected in parallel with each other. However, dispersed substrings 1002A and 1002B need not be spatially adjacent to each other. The same may apply to all or some of the distributed substrings electrically connected in parallel with each other. Referring to FIG. 11D, as an example, scatter substring 1002A can be element a_32 (lower right corner element) in a 3×2 matrix, and scatter substring 1002B can be element a_11 (upper left corner element) in a 3×2 matrix. corner elements). Alternatively, distributed substrings that are electrically connected in parallel (eg, distributed substrings 1002A and 1002B) may be adjacent to each other (eg, distributed substrings 1002A and 1002B may be adjacent to each other). In yet another aspect, the distributed substrings 1002 electrically connected in parallel can be spatially oriented in various ways as desired. Electrical connections between distributed substrings 1002 may be referred to as electrical bus 1040A, electrical bus 1040B, electrical bus 1040C, and electrical bus 1040D in FIG. 1140C and the electrical connections implemented using conductive traces 1140D.

FIG. 11E illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 901C of the exemplary distributed PV cell array 1010C of FIGS. 11C and 11D. Conductive backsheet 901C may be any of aspects of conductive backsheet 901A, 901B, 901F, 901G, and 901H (and with reference to conductive backsheet 901 in general), unless otherwise noted with respect to conductive backsheet 901C. described embodiment). Rear contact PV cell 904 is shown as translucent for clarity of illustration and description. Only rear-contact PV cells 904 of distributed substring 1002A are shown, rear-contact PV cells 904 of other distributed substrings 1002 (eg, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D, etc.) are omitted for clarity of illustration. It is The black lines represent areas without conductive material, and the white spaces between the black lines represent conductive areas. Referring to FIG. 11E, the conductive regions are cut into a substantially “U” shape (starting at the physical top (or bottom) of the substring and ending near the physical top (or bottom)). We can implement a distributed substring 1002 that is For example, scatter substring 1002A of FIG. 11E (see, eg, scatter substrings 1002I, 1002H, and 1002G of FIG. 9A). However, the conductive backsheets 901 (eg, conductive backsheets 901A, 901B, etc.) can be cut to achieve dispersed substrings 1002 of various shapes and configurations. For example, referring to FIG. 11E, interspersed substrings 100F and 1002C may be substantially "C" shaped (starting near the physical middle of the substring and ending near the physical middle of the substring). Such flexibility can be advantageous for different reasons. For example, in FIG. 11E it may be advantageous for scatter substrings 1002 F and 1002 C to terminate at or near junction box 942 . Such a configuration may reduce or eliminate some or all of the conductive traces that carry power generated by the distributed substrings to junction box 942 . Further, in some aspects, the interspersed substrings may be different and of various shapes (eg, the interspersed substrings may follow a zigzag pattern). A single conductive backsheet 901 can include dispersed substrings 1002 of various shapes. Distributed substrings 1002 may be of various shapes for various considerations, e.g., distributed substrings may vary depending on power routing considerations, mismatch or light tolerance considerations, design or manufacturing convenience considerations. It can be of various shapes for items and the like.

FIG. 11F illustrates electrical interconnectivity of an exemplary 2×6 distributed PV cell array 1010D, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 11C illustrates a distributed PV cell array 1010C having more rows of substrings than columns. Referring to FIG. 11F, distributed PV cell array 1010D may include more columns than rows. (Columns and rows are intended to be relative terms; columns may be considered rows and rows may be considered columns, depending on the orientation of the PV cell array and PV module. ). Distributed PV cell array 1010D may include twelve distributed substrings 1102A-1102L. A distributed substring may include multiple PV cells electrically connected in series. The PV cells of distributed substrings 1102A-1102L may include rear-contact PV cells (as described herein), non-rear-contact PV cells, single PV cells, or any other type of PV cells. In the rear-contact PV cell embodiment, the PV cells of distributed substrings 1102A-1102L may be electrically connected to each other via a conductive backsheet (as described in more detail). In non-rear-contact PV cell embodiments, PV cells within distributed substrings 1102A-1102L may be electrically connected to each other in a variety of ways, including via conductors (eg, soldered ribbon wires). Alternatively, the PV cells of distributed substrings 1102A-1102L may comprise single PV cells. Such PV cells may be stacked to form electrical connections between adjacent PV cells. For example, one polarity lead of one PV cell may be overlaid on the opposite polarity lead of an adjacent PV cell. Electrical connections between adjacent PV cells may be achieved, for example, by a conductive adhesive or paste between opposing leads of adjacent PV cells.

Referring to FIG. 11F, distributed substrings 1102A-1102F in the same electrical row (shown in the same pattern) may be electrically connected in parallel to each other and distributed substrings in the same electrical row (shown in the same pattern). Strings 1102G-1102L may be electrically connected in parallel with each other. Distributed substrings (eg, distributed substrings 1102G and 1102A) of the same electrical series in FIG. 11F may be electrically connected in series with each other. Additionally, electrical column midpoints of the array may be cross-coupled (ie, electrically connected) to other electrical column midpoints of the PV cell array to further parallelize the distributed PV cell array 1010D. The columns in FIG. 11F can be electrically connected in parallel with each other. Electrical interconnections between distributed substrings 1102A-1102L may follow the schematic diagram of FIG. 11F.

FIG. 11G illustrates an exemplary physical layout of the exemplary 2×6 distributed PV cell array 1010D of FIG. 11F. Referring to FIG. 11G, the distributed substrings 1102A-1102L electrically connected in parallel may be physically distributed differently within the PV cell array. Referring to FIG. 11F, distributed substrings 1102A-1102L (eg, distributed substrings 1102L and 1102G) in the same electrical row (illustrated in the same pattern) may be electrically connected in parallel and distributed differently. Scattered substrings 1102A-1102C may be physically arranged in physical row 1, physical column rows 1-3. Scattered substrings 1102G-1102I may be physically arranged in physical row 1, physical columns 4-6. Scattered substrings 1102J-1102L may be physically arranged in physical row 2, physical columns 1-3. Scattered substrings 1102D-1102F may be arranged in physical row 2, physical columns 4-6. In this way, the electrically parallel-connected substrings of the same electrical row in FIG. 11F can be physically distributed differently throughout the PV cell array. Such electrical connections and physical arrangements can operate to distribute the light shielding pattern across the distributed PV cell array 1010D and are described in more detail herein (eg, with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B). As such, it may allow for increased shading and/or mitigation of other mismatch conditions. Distributed substrings physically arranged and arranged according to the arrangement of FIG. 11G can be electrically interconnected according to the schematic diagram of FIG. 11F. The physical arrangement of the distributed substrings of FIG. 11F is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 11G; rather, according to embodiments, the distributed substrings may be variously distributed throughout the distributed PV cell array 1010D.

FIG. 11H illustrates electrical interconnectivity of an exemplary 2×5 distributed PV cell array 1010E in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure. Distributed PV cell array 1010E may be similar in all respects to PV cell array 1010D, except where explicitly stated herein. Referring to FIG. 11H, distributed PV cell array 1010E may include an odd number of columns. Distributed substrings 1102A-1102E in the same electrical row (shown in the same pattern) may be electrically connected in parallel with each other, and distributed substrings 1102F-1102J in the same electrical row (shown in the same pattern) may may be electrically connected in parallel with each other. Distributed substrings (eg, distributed substrings 1102F and 1102A) of the same electrical series in FIG. 11H may be electrically connected in series with each other. Additionally, electrical column midpoints of the array may be cross-coupled (ie, electrically connected) to other electrical column midpoints of PV cell array 1010E to further parallelize the electrical connections of PV cell array 1010E. The electrical columns in FIG. 11H can be electrically connected in parallel with each other. Electrical interconnections between distributed substrings 1102A-1102J may follow the schematic diagram of FIG. 11H.

FIG. 11I illustrates an exemplary physical layout of the exemplary 2×5 distributed PV cell array 1010E of FIG. 11H. Referring to FIG. 11I, the distributed substrings 1102A-1102J electrically connected in parallel may be physically distributed differently within the PV cell array 1010E. Referring to FIG. 11FH, distributed substrings 1102A-1102J (eg, distributed substrings 1102F and 1102J) in the same electrical row (illustrated in the same pattern) may be electrically connected in parallel and distributed differently. Scattered substrings 1102A-1102C may be physically arranged in physical row 1, physical column rows 1-3. Scattered substrings 1102F and 1102G may be physically located in physical row 1, physical columns 4-5. Scattered substrings 1102H-1102J may be physically arranged in physical row 2, physical columns 1-3. Scattered substrings 1102D and 1102E may be located in physical row 2, physical columns 4-5. In this way, the electrically parallel-connected substrings can be physically arranged differently throughout the PV cell array. Such electrical connections and physical arrangements may operate to distribute light shielding patterns across the distributed PV cell array 1010E and are described in more detail herein (eg, with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B). As such, it may allow for increased shading and/or mitigation of other mismatch conditions. Distributed substrings physically arranged and arranged according to the arrangement of FIG. 11I can be electrically interconnected according to the schematic diagram of FIG. 11H. The physical arrangement of the distributed substrings in FIG. 11H is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 11I; rather, according to embodiments, the distributed substrings may be variously distributed throughout the distributed PV cell array 1010E.

As noted above, the PV cells of the distributed PV cell array 1010D of FIGS. 11F and 11G and the PV cells of the distributed PV cell array 1010E of FIGS. PV cells. Non-rear contact and/or single PV cells may use conductors (eg, ribbon wires) to provide some or all of the electrical interconnection between distributed substrings. FIG. 11J illustrates an exemplary electrical interconnection scheme for the distributed PV cell array 1010D of FIG. 11G, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As described above, conductor wires (eg, ribbon wires) may be used to provide electrical interconnection of the distributed PV cell array 1010D as illustrated in FIG. 11F. The different patterns of lines in FIG. 11J may illustrate different conductors that provide different electrical connections as described herein. Each PV cell of distributed substrings 1102A-1102L may terminate in a positive potential terminal (also referred to as a positive terminal) and a negative potential terminal (also referred to as a negative terminal) across which the potential of the PV cell is measured. can be Subsequently, the distributed substrings of PV cells 1102A-1102L, electrically connected in series, are similarly terminated at positive potential terminals (also referred to as positive terminals) and negative potential terminals (also referred to as negative terminals). and the potential produced by the distributed substrings can be measured.

Referring to FIG. 11J, distributed PV cell array 1010D may include 2 rows and 6 columns of distributed substrings. Thus, each column may include two scatter substrings (eg, scatter substrings 1102A and 1102J). Distributed PV cell array 1010D may be divided by a substantial midline for purposes of illustration. A vertical midline may divide PV cell array 1010D into left and right halves, and a horizontal midline may divide PV cell array 1010D into top and bottom halves. The top and bottom halves of the PV cell array may each include two sets of distributed substrings electrically connected in parallel. Distributed substrings 1102G-1102I may be electrically connected in parallel with each other and disposed in the lower half of PV cell array 1010D as substring group 1166A. Further, distributed substrings 1102A-1102C may be electrically connected in parallel and disposed in the lower half of PV cell array 1010D as substring group 1166B. Substring group 1166A may be arranged such that the positive terminals of distributed substrings 1102G-1102I may be disposed proximate PV cell array bottom edge 1144A. Distributed substrings of substring group 1166A may extend from PV cell array bottom edge 1144A toward the lateral midline. The dispersed substrings of substring group 1166A may terminate at negative terminals substantially proximate the lateral midline. Substring group 1166B may be arranged such that the negative terminals of distributed substrings 1102A-1102C may be disposed proximate PV cell array bottom edge 1144A. Distributed substrings of substring group 1166B may extend from PV cell array bottom edge 1144A toward the lateral midline. The distributed substrings of substring group 1166B may terminate at positive terminals substantially proximate to the lateral midline of the PV cell array. An electrical midpoint conductor 1136A (eg, a ribbon wire) is electrically connected to the positive terminal of substring group 1166A and the negative terminal of substring group 1166B, thereby providing an electrical parallel connection (e.g., ribbon wire) of the distributed substrings of each group. parallel electrical connection of distributed substrings 1102A-1102C, and parallel electrical connection of distributed substrings 1102G-1102I) and electrical series connection of substring groups 1166A and 1166B. Electrical midpoint conductors 1136A are connected to electrical column midpoints (FIG. 11F) for further electrical connections (eg, cross-coupled connections to other electrical column midpoints as described with reference to FIG. 11F). can be routed into junction box 1142 to take advantage of the electrical column midpoint of . 11F and 11J, substring groups 1166C and 1166A can be electrically connected in parallel with each other. Thus, substring groups 1166C and 1166A may be part of a larger substring group that includes both substring groups 1166C and 1166A connected in parallel.

Similar to the above, distributed substrings 1102J-1102L may be electrically connected in parallel with each other and disposed in the upper half of PV cell array 1010D as substring group 1166C. Further, distributed substrings 1102D-1102F may be electrically connected in parallel and disposed in the upper half of PV cell array 1010D as substring group 1166D. Substring group 1166C may be arranged such that the positive terminals of distributed substrings 1102J-1102L may be disposed proximate PV cell array top edge 1144B. Distributed substrings of substring group 1166C may extend from PV cell array top edge 1144B toward the lateral midline. The dispersed substrings of substring group 1166C may terminate at negative terminals substantially proximate to the lateral midline. Substring group 1166D may be arranged such that the negative terminals of distributed substrings 1102D-1102F may be disposed proximate PV cell array top edge 1144B. The distributed substrings of substring group 1166D may extend from PV cell array top edge 1144B toward the lateral midline. The distributed substrings of substring group 1166D may terminate at positive terminals substantially proximate the lateral midline of PV cell array 1010D. An electrical midpoint conductor 1136B (eg, a ribbon wire) is electrically connected to the positive terminal of substring group 1166C and the negative terminal of substring group 1166D, thereby providing an electrical parallel connection (e.g., ribbon wire) of the distributed substrings of each group. That is, parallel electrical connection of distributed substrings 1102J-1102L and parallel electrical connection of distributed substrings 1102D-1102F) and electrical series connection of substring groups 1166C and 1166D are readily obtained. Electrical midpoint conductor 1136B connects the electrical column midpoint (electrical column midpoint of FIG. 11F) to a further electrical connection (e.g., other electrical column midpoints, PV module lead wires, etc., as described with reference to FIG. 11F). , and/or electronics (eg, cross-coupled connections to PE 3202 as described herein)). 11F and 11J, substring groups 1166B and 1166D may be electrically connected in parallel with each other. Thus, substring groups 1166B and 1166D may be part of a larger substring group that includes both substring groups 1166B and 1166D connected in parallel.

Similar to electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B, a negative bus conductor 1162A (eg, a ribbon wire) can be electrically connected to the negative terminals of distributed substrings 1102G-1102I. Additionally, negative bus conductor 1162B may be electrically connected to the negative terminals of distributed substrings 1102J-1102L. Negative bus conductors 1162A and 1162B may be routed into junction box 1142 such that the remaining electrical connections of distributed PV cell array 1010D may be completed (as described in greater detail herein) and various electrical It can be used for connections (eg, PV module leads, PE3202, etc.). Similarly, a positive bus conductor 1164A (eg, a ribbon wire) can be electrically connected to the positive terminals of distributed substrings 1102A-1102C. Additionally, positive bus conductor 1164B may be electrically connected to the positive terminals of distributed substrings 1102D-1102F. Positive bus conductors 1164A and 1164B may be routed to junction box 1142 so that the remaining electrical connections of distributed PV cell array 1010D may be completed (as described in greater detail herein) to provide various electrical connections. (eg, PV module leads, PE3202, etc.).

Electrical connections that may be made within junction box 1142 are not shown, but conductors are shown terminating at junction box 1142 . However, an electrical scheme such as that described in connection with FIG. 11F can be completed at junction box 1142 . At junction box 1142, positive bus conductors 1164A and 1164B may be electrically connected together. Further, at junction box 1142, negative bus conductors 1162A and 1162B may be electrically connected together. Further, at junction box 1142, electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B may be electrically connected together. Thus, a distributed PV cell array 1010D having substrings electrically connected in parallel and spatially distributed can be easily realized. Additionally, as described herein, additional components such as PV module leads (which may utilize the power generated by the distributed PV cell array 1010D), electronics (eg, bypass diodes, active bypass, PE3202, etc.) ), etc., may be added to distributed PV cell array 1010D at junction box 1142. FIG. Additionally, as noted, conductor crossovers outside the junction box and complex conductor layout and routing can increase production effort and cost. Thus, utilizing the layout and connections of FIGS. 11F, 11G, and 11J, an electrically parallel and spatially distributed PV cell array 1010D can be implemented without such undue complexity or cost. It should be understood that it can be produced and manufactured.

According to some aspects herein, electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B may not be connected together. Further, in accordance with such aspects, electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B may be routed into junction box 1142 for various utilization (eg, by PE 3202) or may be routed into junction box 1142. May not be specified (electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B may still be utilized outside junction box 1142). According to aspects in which electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B are not connected, cross-coupling may be lost between the top and bottom halves of the distributed PV cell array (i.e., substring groups 1166A and 1166B may 1166C and 1166D).

Figures 11F, 11G and 11J illustrate examples of distributed PV cell arrays having 12 distributed substrings. According to aspects, a distributed PV cell array can have any number of substrings (eg, 2, 4, 10, 13, 20, 25, etc.). Figures 11F, 11G, and 11J illustrate exemplary distributed PV cell arrays that are symmetrical across the longitudinal midline and the lateral midline. According to aspects herein, the distributed PV cell array has a longitudinal midline and/or a lateral It can be asymmetrical across the directional midline. The PV cells of distributed PV cell array 1010D may be single-sided applications (substantially all illumination occurs on one side of the PV cells) or double-sided applications (PV cells and applications are designed to be illuminated on both sides of the PV cell). can be adapted to Referring to FIG. 11J, when PV cell array 1010D is adapted for double-sided use, electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B are routed between distributed substrings (e.g., between distributed substrings 1102C and 1102G and between distributed substrings 1102L). 1102D). If the PV cell array 1010D is adapted for single-sided use, the backside of the PV cells may be covered so that the electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B are behind some of the distributed substrings (e.g., of the distributed substrings 1102C and 1102L). behind). Electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B (whether for single-sided or double-sided applications) may be routed elsewhere. For example, due to the configuration, there may be space along the edges of the distributed PV cell array for running conductors (eg, ribbon wires), and in such applications midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B may be connected to the distributed PV cell array. It may be advantageous to route along the edges of 1010D (eg, along scatter substrings 1102A and 1102J). The distributed substrings 1102A-1102L of FIGS. 11F, 11G and 11J may include any number of PV cells (eg, 10, 12, 16, 30, 35, etc.) per substring. The PV cells of the distributed substrings 1102A-1102L of FIGS. 11F, 11G and 11J can be any size PV cell (eg, standard size G1, G12, etc., or any other size PV cell). Further, the PV cells of the distributed substrings 1102A-1102L of FIGS. 11F, 11G and 11J can be rear-contact PV cells, non-rear-contact PV cells, single PV cells, or any other type of PV cells.

FIG. 11J illustrates a distributed PV cell array having equally sized substring groups 1166A-1166D. FIG. 11K illustrates an exemplary electrical interconnection scheme for the distributed PV cell array 1010E of FIG. 11I. Referring to FIG. 11K, substring groups 1166A-1166D may be sized differently. As described above, conductor wires (eg, ribbon wires) may be used to provide electrical interconnection of distributed PV cell arrays 1010E as illustrated in FIG. 11H. The different patterns of lines in FIG. 11K may illustrate various conductors that may provide various electrical connections as described herein. Each PV cell of distributed substrings 1102A-1102J may terminate in a positive potential terminal (also referred to as a positive terminal) and a negative potential terminal (also referred to as a negative terminal) across which the potential of the PV cell is measured. can be Subsequently, the distributed substrings of PV cells 1102A-1102J that are electrically connected in series are similarly terminated at positive potential terminals (also referred to as positive terminals) and negative potential terminals (also referred to as negative terminals). Across these terminals the potential produced by the distributed substring can be measured. Referring to FIG. 11K, PV cell array 1010E may include two rows and five columns of distributed substrings. Thus, each column may include two scatter substrings (eg, scatter substrings 1102A and 1102H). Distributed PV cell array 1010E may be divided by a substantial midline for purposes of illustration. A lateral midline may divide the PV cell array 1010E into upper and lower halves. The top and bottom halves of the PV cell array may each include two sets of distributed substrings electrically connected in parallel. Distributed substrings 1102F and 1102G may be electrically connected in parallel with each other and disposed in the lower half of PV cell array 1010E as substring group 1166A. Further, distributed substrings 1102A-1102C may be electrically connected in parallel and disposed in the lower half of PV cell array 1010E as substring group 1166B. Substring group 1166A may be arranged such that the positive terminals of distributed substrings 1102F and 1102G may be disposed proximate PV cell array bottom edge 1144A. Dispersed substrings of substring group 1166A may extend from PV cell array bottom edge 1144A toward the lateral midline. Dispersed substrings of substring group 1166A may terminate at negative terminals substantially proximate the lateral midline. Substring group 1166B may be arranged such that the negative terminals of distributed substrings 1102A-1102C may be arranged proximate PV cell array bottom edge 1144A. Dispersed substrings of substring group 1166B may extend from PV cell array bottom edge 1144A toward the lateral midline. Distributed substrings of substring group 1166B may terminate at positive terminals substantially proximate the lateral midline of PV cell array 1010E. An electrical midpoint conductor 1136A (eg, a ribbon wire) is electrically connected to the positive terminal of substring group 1166A and the negative terminal of substring group 1166B, thereby electrically paralleling the distributed substrings of each group. Connections (ie, parallel electrical connection of distributed substrings 1102A-1102C and parallel electrical connection of distributed substrings 1102F and 1102G) and electrical series connection of substring groups 1166A and 1166B may be facilitated. Electrical midpoint conductors 1136A are connected to electrical column midpoints (FIG. 11H) for further electrical connections (eg, cross-coupled connections to other electrical column midpoints as described with reference to FIG. 11H). can be routed into junction box 1142 to take advantage of the electrical column midpoint of . 11H and 11K, substring groups 1166A and 1166C may be electrically connected in parallel with each other. Thus, substring groups 1166A and 1166C may be part of a larger substring group comprising both substring groups 1166A and 1166C connected in parallel.

Similar to the above, distributed substrings 1102H-1102J may be electrically connected in parallel with each other and disposed in the upper half of PV cell array 1010E as substring group 1166C. Further, distributed substrings 1102D and 1102E may be electrically connected in parallel and disposed in the upper half of PV cell array 1010E as substring group 1166D. Substring group 1166C may be arranged such that the positive terminals of distributed substrings 1102H-1102J may be disposed proximate PV cell array top edge 1144B. Distributed substrings of substring group 1166C may extend from PV cell array top edge 1144B toward the lateral midline. The dispersed substrings of substring group 1166C may terminate at negative terminals substantially proximate to the lateral midline. Substring group 1166D may be arranged such that the negative terminals of distributed substrings 1102D and 1102E may be disposed proximate PV cell array top edge 1144B. The distributed substrings of substring group 1166D may extend from the PV cell array edge toward the lateral midline. The distributed substrings of substring group 1166D may terminate at positive terminals substantially proximate the lateral midline of PV cell array 1010E. An electrical midpoint conductor 1136B (eg, a ribbon wire) is electrically connected to the positive terminal of substring group 1166C and the negative terminal of substring group 1166D, thereby electrically paralleling the distributed substrings of each group. Connections (ie, parallel electrical connection of distributed substrings 1102H-1102J and parallel electrical connection of distributed substrings 1102D and 1102E) and electrical series connection of substring groups 1166C and 1166D may be facilitated. Electrical midpoint conductors 1136B connect electrical column midpoints (electrical column midpoints in FIG. 11H) to further electrical connections (e.g., other electrical column midpoints, PV module lead wires, etc., as described with reference to FIG. 11H). , and/or electronics (eg, cross-coupled connections to PE 3202 as described herein)).

Similar to electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B, a negative bus conductor 1162A (eg, a ribbon wire) can be electrically connected to the negative terminals of distributed substrings 1102F and 1102G. Additionally, negative bus conductor 1162B may be electrically connected to the negative terminals of distributed substrings 1102H-1102J. Negative bus conductors 1162A and 1162B may be routed into junction box 1142 such that the remaining electrical connections of distributed PV cell array 1010E may be completed (as described in greater detail herein) and various electrical connections. It can be used for connections (eg, PV module leads, PE3202, etc.). Similarly, a positive bus conductor 1164A (eg, a ribbon wire) can be electrically connected to the positive terminals of distributed substrings 1102A-1102C. Additionally, positive bus conductor 1164B may be electrically connected to the positive terminals of distributed substrings 1102D and 1102E. Positive bus conductors 1164A and 1164B may be routed to junction box 1142 so that the remaining electrical connections of distributed PV cell array 1010E may be completed (as described in greater detail herein) to provide various electrical connections. (eg, PV module leads, PE3202, etc.). 11H and 11K, substring groups 1166B and 1166D may be electrically connected in parallel with each other. Thus, substring groups 1166B and 1166D may be part of a larger substring group that includes both substring groups 1166B and 1166D connected in parallel.

Electrical connections that may be made within junction box 1142 are not shown, rather conductors are shown terminating at junction box 1142 . However, an electrical scheme such as that described in connection with FIG. 11H can be completed at junction box 1142 . At junction box 1142, positive bus conductors 1164A and 1164B may be electrically connected together. Further, at junction box 1142, negative bus conductors 1162A and 1162B may be electrically connected together. Further, at the junction box, electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B can be electrically connected together. Thus, a distributed PV cell array 1010E having substrings electrically connected in parallel and spatially distributed can be easily realized. Additionally, as described herein, additional components such as PV module leads (which may utilize the power generated by the distributed PV cell array 1010E), electronics (eg, bypass diodes, active bypass, PE3202, etc.) may be added to distributed PV cell array 1010E at junction box 1142. FIG. Additionally, as discussed above, conductor crossovers outside the junction box and complex conductor layouts and wiring can increase production effort and cost. Therefore, utilizing the layout and connections of FIGS. It should be understood that it can be produced and manufactured. Further, it can be appreciated that aspects of electrically parallel and spatially distributed PV cell arrays can be implemented with PV cell arrays having an odd number of columns as well as an even number of columns.

According to some aspects herein, electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B may not be connected together. Further, in accordance with such aspects, electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B may be routed into junction box 1142 for various utilization (eg, by PE 3202) or routed into junction box 1142. May not be specified (electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B may still be utilized outside junction box 1142). According to aspects in which electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B are not connected, cross-coupling may be lost between the top and bottom halves of the distributed PV cell array (i.e., substring groups 1166A and 1166B may 1166C and 1166D).

The conductors of FIGS. 11J and 11K (eg, electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B, negative bus conductors 1162A and 1162B, and positive bus conductors 1164A and 1164B) may include various forms of conductors. For example, such conductors may include ribbon wires, copper wires, and the like. The wires or conductors can be stranded or solid. Any combination of conductors in a single PV cell array is contemplated herein. Further, the conductors of FIGS. 11J and 11K can be variously electrically connected to PV cells and components. For example, the conductors can be soldered, crimped, glued (eg, via a conductive adhesive). Various methods of electrical connection in a single PV cell array are contemplated herein. According to aspects, utilizing a conductive backsheet to achieve electrically parallel and spatially distributed PV cell arrays, as described herein, can be advantageous in some applications. . However, depending on considerations, it may be advantageous to produce electrically parallel and spatially distributed PV cell arrays without the need to produce a conductive backsheet. For example, the production of conductive backsheets may require specialized equipment. Thus, an electrically parallel-connected and spatially distributed PV cell array can be achieved using the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 11J and 11K.

11H, 11I and 11K illustrate an exemplary distributed PV cell array having ten distributed substrings. According to aspects, a distributed PV cell array can have any number of substrings (eg, 2, 4, 10, 13, 20, 25, etc.). 11H, 11I and 11K illustrate exemplary distributed PV cell arrays as being laterally midline and asymmetrical across the lateral midline. According to aspects herein, the distributed PV cell array may have a longitudinal midline and/or a lateral can be symmetrical across the midline of The PV cells of distributed PV cell array 1010E may be single-sided applications (substantially all illumination occurs on one side of the PV cells) or double-sided applications (PV cells and applications are designed to be illuminated on both sides of the PV cells). can be adapted to Referring to FIG. 11K, when PV cell array 1010E is adapted for double-sided use, electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B are routed between distributed substrings (e.g., between distributed substrings 1102C and 1102F and between distributed substrings 1102J). 1102D). If the PV cell array 1010E is adapted for single-sided use, the backside of the PV cells may be covered so that the electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B are behind some of the distributed substrings (e.g., of the distributed substrings 1102C and 1102L). behind). Electrical midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B (whether for single-sided or double-sided applications) may be routed elsewhere. For example, due to the configuration, there may be space along the edges of the distributed PV cell array for running conductors (eg, ribbon wires), and in such applications midpoint conductors 1136A and 1136B may be connected to the distributed PV cell array. It may be advantageous to route along the edges of 1010D (eg, along scatter substrings 1102A and 1102J). The distributed substrings 1102A-1102J of FIGS. 11H, 11I, and 11K may include any number of PV cells (eg, 10, 12, 16, 30, 35, etc.) per substring. The PV cells of the distributed substrings 1102A-1102L of FIGS. 11H, 11I and 11K can be any size PV cells (eg, standard size G1, G12, etc., or any other size PV cells). Further, the PV cells of the distributed substrings 1102A-1102J of FIGS. 11H, 11I, and 11L may be rear-contact PV cells, non-rear-contact PV cells, single PV cells, or any other type of PV cells. FIG. 11K illustrates substring groups 1166A-1166D as having two or three interspersed substrings. According to aspects herein, substring groups may include any number of substrings per group, and the number of substrings per group may vary within a single PV cell array.

FIG. 11K illustrates an electrical connection scheme for distributed PV cell array 1010D utilizing conductor wires. However, the parallel-connected and spatially distributed PV cell array 1010D of FIG. 11H can be implemented using rear-contact PV cells and a conductive backsheet 901D. FIG. 11L illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 901D for the distributed PV cell array 1010D of FIG. 11G, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 11L, the electrical connections of the distributed PV cell array 1010D of Figures 11F and 11G can be accomplished utilizing a conductive backsheet 901D. Conductive backsheet 901D may be any of the aspects of conductive backsheets 901A, 901B, 901C, 901F, 901G, and 901H (and generally with respect to conductive backsheets), unless explicitly stated with respect to conductive backsheet 901D. described embodiment). Rear contact PV cells are shown semi-transparent for illustration purposes. Only rear-contact PV cells of distributed substring 1102A are shown; rear-contact PV cells of other distributed substrings (eg, 1102B, 1102C, 1102D, etc.) are omitted for clarity of illustration. The conductive backsheet 901D can be patterned to form the desired conductive areas. Cuts or areas devoid of conductive material in the conductive backsheet 901D may be illustrated as black lines, while conductive areas are marked by exemplary conductive material removal and/or conductive material as described herein. may be illustrated by the areas remaining after the deposition of the soft material. Rear-contact PV cells may be disposed on and electrically connected to the conductive regions forming distributed substrings. FIG. 11L shows one distributed substring 1102I (distributed substring 1102A corresponding to distributed substring 1102A in FIGS. 11F and 11G) having an exemplary transparent rear contact PV cell superimposed on a conductive backsheet 901D. Illustrate. Rear-contact PV cells corresponding to other distributed substrings (eg, distributed substrings 1102B-1102L, etc.) are omitted from FIG. 11L for clarity of illustration. Instead of showing distributed substrings 1102B-1102L (like distributed substring 1102A) with transparent PV cells, the remaining substrings are shown as substring conductive regions 1112A-1112L (distributed substrings of FIGS. 11F and 11G). shown only as an area of conductive backsheet 901D that may line strings 1102A-1102L). Conductive traces 1124A, 1124B, 1128A, 1128B, 1130A, and 1130B of FIG. 11L correspond to conductors 1136A, 1136B, 1162A, 1162B, A, and 1164B of FIG. 11J. According to aspects of the disclosure, the distributed substrings may be electrically connected in parallel to maintain spatial distribution within the distributed PV cell array 1010D. Each of the substring conductive regions 1112A-1112L may connect rear-contact PV cells in series to form distributed substrings. Electrical traces 1136A may electrically connect the positive terminals of the distributed substrings of substring conductive regions 1112G-1112I and the negative terminals of the distributed substrings of substring conductive regions 1112A-1112C. Conductive traces 1136A are connected to electrical column midpoints (electrical column midpoints of FIG. 11F) for further electrical connections (eg, cross-coupled connections to other electrical column midpoints as described with reference to FIG. 11F). center point) can be routed into junction box 1142 . Furthermore, by removing or not removing (or with or without) certain areas of the conductive backsheet 901D, cross-coupling between parallel-connected rear-contact PV cells can be easily obtained (Fig. 13A).

Electrical connections that may be made within junction box 1142 are not shown. Rather, the conductive traces are illustrated as terminating at junctions 1142 . However, an electrical scheme such as that described in connection with FIG. 11F can be completed at junction box 1142 . At junction box 1142, conductive traces 1130A and 1130B can be electrically connected to each other. Further, at junction box 1142, conductive traces 1128A and 1128B can be electrically connected to each other. Further, at junction box 1142, conductive traces 1124A and 1124B may be electrically connected to each other. Thus, a distributed PV cell array 1010D having substrings electrically connected in parallel and spatially distributed may be realized. Additionally, as described herein, additional components such as PV module leads (which may utilize the power generated by the distributed PV cell array 1010D), electronics (eg, bypass diodes, active bypass, PE3202, etc.) may be added to distributed PV cell array 1010D at junction box 1142. FIG.

As discussed, conductive backsheet 901D may allow for simplified integration of electronics 1122 into distributed PV cell array 1010D. Electronics 1122 may include, for example, bypass diodes, active bypass electronics, converters, PE3202, and the like. Such electronics 1122 may act to process, bypass, and/or utilize power generated by each half of distributed PV cell array 1010D. Electronics 1122 are shown outside of conductive backsheet 901D for schematic purposes only. Electronics 1122 may be added (eg, connected) to the distributed PV cell array of conductive backsheet 901D at junction box 1142 or anywhere else on conductive backsheet 901D. Further, by not removing the conductive material between the substring conductive regions 1112A-1112L, adjacent dispersed substrings on the substring conductive regions 1112A-1112L (eg, FIG. 9B, FIG. 11M, and FIG. 13B) can be electrically connected in series-parallel with a total cross-coupling (TCT). Such connections may further improve mitigation of partial shading and/or mismatch conditions in the PV cell array. Such electrical connections can entail high design and production costs if a conductive backsheet and rear-contact PV cells are not used.

FIG. 11L illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 901D for exemplary distributed PV cell array 1010D having 12 distributed substrings. According to aspects, a distributed PV cell array can have any number of substrings (eg, 2, 4, 10, 13, 20, 25, etc.). FIG. 11L illustrates exemplary conductive backsheet 901D of exemplary distributed PV cell array 1010D as being symmetrical about the longitudinal midline and the lateral midline. According to aspects herein, the distributed PV cell array has a longitudinal midline and/or or may be asymmetric across the lateral midline. The PV cells of distributed PV cell array 1010D realized by conductive backsheet 901D can be used for single-sided applications (substantially all irradiation occurs on one side of the PV cells) or double-sided applications (PV cells and applications are irradiated on both sides of the PV cells). designed to be Conductive backsheet 901D is shown as providing distributed substrings of 15 PV cells each. According to aspects herein, the conductive backsheet can be adapted to achieve distributed substrings having any number of PV cells (eg, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, etc.) .

FIG. 11K illustrates an electrical connection scheme for distributed PV cell array 1010E utilizing conductor wires. However, the parallel-connected and spatially distributed PV cell array 1010E of FIG. 11H can be implemented using rear-contact PV cells and a conductive backsheet 901E. FIG. 11M illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 901E of the distributed PV cell array 1010E of FIG. 11I (and FIG. 11K), according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 11M, electrical connections for the distributed PV cell array 1010E of FIGS. 11H and 11I can be accomplished utilizing a conductive backsheet 901E. Conductive backsheet 901E may be any of the aspects of conductive backsheets 901A, 901B, 901C, 901D, 901F, 901G, and 901H (and generally for conductive backsheets), unless explicitly stated with respect to conductive backsheet 901E. embodiment). Rear contact PV cells are shown semi-transparent for illustration purposes. Only rear-contact PV cells of distributed substring 1102A are shown; rear-contact PV cells of other distributed substrings (eg, 1102B, 1102C, 1102D, etc.) are omitted for clarity of illustration. The conductive backsheet 901E can be patterned to form desired conductive areas. Cuts or areas devoid of conductive material in the conductive backsheet 901E may be illustrated as black lines, while conductive areas are marked by exemplary conductive material removal and/or conductive material as described herein. may be illustrated by the areas remaining after the deposition of the soft material. Rear-contact PV cells may be disposed on and electrically connected to the conductive regions forming distributed substrings. FIG. 11M shows one distributed substring 1102I (distributed substring 1102A corresponding to distributed substring 1102A in FIGS. 11H and 11I) having an exemplary transparent rear contact PV cell superimposed on a conductive backsheet 901E. Illustrate. Back contact PV cells corresponding to other distributed substrings (eg, distributed substrings 1102B-1102J) are omitted from FIG. 11M for clarity of illustration. Instead of showing distributed substrings 1102B-1102J (like distributed substring 1102A) with transparent PV cells, the remaining substrings are substring conductive regions 1112A-1112L (distributed substrings of FIGS. 11H and 11I). shown only as a region of conductive backsheet 901E that may line strings 1102A-1102L). Conductive traces 1124A, 1124B, 1128A, 1128B, 1130A, and 1130B of FIG. 11M correspond to conductors 1136A, 1136B, 1162A, 1162B, 1164A, and 1164B of FIG. 11K. According to aspects of the disclosure, the distributed substrings may be electrically connected in parallel to maintain spatial distribution within the distributed PV cell array 1010E. Each of the substring conductive regions 1112A-1112L may connect rear-contact PV cells in series to form distributed substrings. Electrical traces 1136A may electrically connect the positive terminals of the distributed substrings of substring conductive regions 1112G-1112I and the negative terminals of the distributed substrings of substring conductive regions 1112A-1112C. Conductive traces 1136A are connected to electrical column midpoints (electrical column midpoints of FIG. 11H) for further electrical connections (eg, cross-coupled connections to other electrical column midpoints as described with reference to FIG. 11H). center point) can be routed into junction box 1142 . Furthermore, by removing or not removing (or with or without) certain areas of the conductive backsheet 901E, cross-coupling between parallel-connected rear-contact PV cells can be easily obtained (Fig. 13A).

Electrical connections that may be made within junction box 1142 are not shown. Rather, the conductive traces are illustrated as terminating at junctions 1142 . However, an electrical scheme such as that described in connection with FIG. 11F can be completed at junction box 1142 . At junction box 1142, conductive traces 1130A and 1130B can be electrically connected to each other. Further, at junction box 1142, conductive traces 1128A and 1128B can be electrically connected to each other. Further, at junction box 1142, conductive traces 1124A and 1124B can be electrically connected to each other. Thus, a distributed PV cell array 1010E having substrings electrically connected in parallel and spatially distributed may be realized. Additionally, as described herein, additional components such as PV module leads (which may utilize the power generated by the distributed PV cell array 1010E), electronics (eg, bypass diodes, active bypass, PE3202, etc.) , etc., may be added to distributed PV cell array 1010E at junction box 1142. FIG.

As discussed, conductive backsheet 901E may allow for simplified integration of electronics 1122 into distributed PV cell array 1010E. Electronics 1122 may include bypass diodes, active bypass electronics, converters and/or PE3202, for example. Such electronics 1122 may act to process, bypass, and/or harness the power produced by each half of distributed PV cell array 1010E. Electronics 1122 are shown outside of conductive backsheet 901E for schematic purposes only. Electronics may be added (eg, connected) to the distributed PV cell array of conductive backsheet 901E at junction box 1142 or anywhere else on conductive backsheet 901E. Further, by not removing the conductive material between substring conductive regions 1112A-1112J, adjacent interspersed substrings on substring conductive regions 1112A-1112J (eg, FIG. 9B, FIG. 11L, FIG. 11M , and as discussed in connection with FIG. 13B) can be electrically connected in series-parallel with a total cross-coupling (TCT). Such connections may further improve mitigation of partial shading and/or mismatch conditions in the PV cell array. Such electrical connections can entail high design and production costs if a conductive backsheet and rear-contact PV cells are not used.

FIG. 11M illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 901E for exemplary distributed PV cell array 1010E having ten distributed substrings. According to aspects, a distributed PV cell array can have any number of substrings (eg, 2, 4, 10, 13, 20, 25, etc.). FIG. 11M illustrates exemplary conductive backsheet 901E of exemplary distributed PV cell array 1010E as being asymmetric across the longitudinal midline and lateral midline. According to aspects herein, the distributed PV cell array may have a longitudinal midline and/or a lateral can be symmetrical across the midline of The PV cells of distributed PV cell array 1010E enabled by conductive backsheet 901E can be used for single-sided applications (substantially all irradiation occurs on one side of the PV cells) or double-sided applications (PV cells and applications are irradiated on both sides of the PV cells). designed to be Conductive backsheets 901E are shown as providing distributed substrings of 15 PV cells each. According to aspects herein, the conductive backsheet can be adapted to achieve distributed substrings having any number of PV cells (eg, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, etc.) .

Referring to FIG. 11N, distributed substrings 1102A-1102E in the same electrical row (shown in the same pattern) may be electrically connected in parallel to each other and distributed substrings in the same electrical row (shown in the same pattern). Strings 1102G-1102K may be electrically connected in parallel with each other. Distributed substrings of the same electrical column in FIG. 11N (eg, distributed substrings 1102G and 1102A) may be electrically connected in series with each other. Additionally, electrical column midpoints of the array may be cross-coupled (ie, electrically connected) to other electrical column midpoints of the PV cell array to further parallelize the distributed PV cell array 1010D. The columns in FIG. 11N can be electrically connected in parallel with each other. Electrical interconnections between distributed substrings 1102A-1102K may follow the schematic diagram of FIG. 11N. Exemplary 2×5 distributed PV cell array 1010D of FIG. 11N can be useful to provide light blocking robustness when an odd number of photovoltaic cell strings is desired.

FIG. 11O illustrates an exemplary physical layout of the exemplary 2×5 distributed PV cell array 1010D of FIG. 11N. Referring to FIG. 11O, distributed substrings 1102A-1102K electrically connected in parallel may be physically distributed differently within the PV cell array. Referring to FIG. 11F, distributed substrings 1102A-1102L (eg, distributed substrings 1102L and 1102G) in the same electrical row (illustrated in the same pattern) are electrically connected in parallel and variously illustrated, for example, in FIG. It can be variously distributed in an interleaved manner as shown in 110. Scattered substrings 1102A and 1102B may be physically located in physical row 1, physical column rows 2 and 4, respectively. Scattered substrings 1102G-1102I may be physically arranged in physical row 1 and physical columns 1, 3, and 5, respectively. Scattered substrings 1102J and 1102K may be physically located in physical row 2 and physical columns 2 and 4, respectively. Scattered substrings 1102C-1102E may be disposed in physical row 2 and physical columns 1, 3, and 5, respectively. In this way, the electrically parallel-connected substrings of the same electrical row in FIG. 11F can be physically distributed differently throughout the PV cell array. Such electrical connections and physical arrangements can operate to distribute the light shielding pattern across the distributed PV cell array 1010D and are described in more detail herein (eg, with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B). As such, it may allow for increased shading and/or mitigation of other mismatch conditions. Distributed substrings physically arranged and arranged according to the arrangement of FIG. 11O may be electrically interconnected according to the schematic diagram of FIG. 11N. The physical arrangement of the distributed substrings of FIG. 11N is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 11O; rather, according to embodiments, the distributed substrings may be variously distributed throughout the distributed PV cell array 1010D.

FIG. 12A illustrates an arrangement of exemplary partially shaded physically distributed substrings 1002 of the exemplary 4×4 PV cell array of FIG. 12B, according to one or more aspects. Shading conditions often arise from discrete objects such as animals, tree limbs, structures, and the like. Therefore, the shaded pattern is often concentrated as opposed to scattered. FIG. 12A illustrates a light blocking condition covering the bottom portion of the distributed PV cell array. If the distributed substrings in the bottom row were electrically connected in parallel with each other (e.g., if distributed substrings 1002C, 1002H, 1002L, and 1002P were electrically in parallel), the light blocking state would affect the entire cluster. can affect FIG. 12B illustrates an exemplary electrical interconnection scheme for the exemplary partially shaded physical distributed substring arrangement of FIG. 12A, according to one or more aspects. As can be appreciated, the effects of the partial shading conditions in the bottom row of FIG. 12A can be distributed throughout the distributed PV cell array based on the electrical interconnectivity of the distributed substrings 1002. Thereby, the effects of exemplary partial shading conditions can be distributed and minimized. 12A and 12B illustrate certain exemplary light shielding patterns on certain exemplary distributed PV cell array arrangements. However, distribution of shaded states can be achieved with other shaded patterns and other distributed PV cell array layouts.

Further advantages may be realized when the static reconfiguration and conductive backsheet implementations of the present disclosure are implemented. As described above, full cross-overs can be achieved by adding electrical connections or cross-couplings between rows of otherwise series-parallel connected PV cells (eg, rear-contact PV cells 904) or groups of PV cells (eg, substrings 102). It may be advantageous to mitigate the effects of mismatch or partial shade conditions to provide coupled (TCT) electrical connections. Such an arrangement may allow for increased power production and increased mitigation of mismatch or shading conditions compared to otherwise electrically connected (eg, series-parallel) PV cell arrays. In practice, such cross-coupling between all rows can be expensive and/or prohibitive in terms of time, labor, and materials. However, such costs may be reduced by aspects described herein.

FIG. 13A illustrates an exemplary PV cell array working conductive backsheet 901F, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Conductive backsheet 901F includes conductive backsheets 901A, 901B, 901C, 901D, 901E, 901G, and 901H (and conductive backsheet 901), unless otherwise specified in connection with conductive backsheet 901F. (generally described as ). For illustration purposes, FIG. 13A illustrates four rows of three rear-contact PV cells 904 . Rear contact PV cell 904 is shown semi-transparent for illustration purposes. The black lines represent the areas of the conductive backsheet 901F that are free of conductive material, and the white spaces between the black lines represent the conductive areas. By removing or not removing (or with or without) certain areas of the conductive backsheet 901F, cross-coupling between parallel-connected rear-contact PV cells 904 can be readily obtained. For example, FIG. 13A shows 12 rear contact PV cells 904 (FIG. 13A does not show a fully distributed PV cell array and for clarity of illustration, 12 rear contact PV cells 904 of the total rear contact PV cell array are shown). (only rear-contact PV cells 904 are shown), four rows of three rear-contact PV cells 904 each are shown. Each row may include three rear-contact PV cells 904 electrically connected in parallel with each other (the negative terminal of each rear-contact PV cell 904 may be connected to the negative terminal of the other rear-contact PV cell 904; The positive terminal of a rear contact PV cell 904 can be connected to the positive terminal of another rear contact PV cell 904). Rows can be connected in series to rows above and/or below (the negative contact of each row can be connected to the positive contact of an adjacent row). Additionally, by not removing the conductive material between the rear-contact PV cells 904 of a row, adjacent rows can be electrically connected in series-parallel with total cross-couples (TCTs) as TCT substrings 902 . Although FIG. 13 illustrates the above arrangement with three rear-contact PV cells 904 per row, aspects of the present disclosure can accommodate any number of rear-contact PV cells 904 per row (e.g., two rear-contact PV cells 904 per row). may be implemented with rear-contact PV cells (eg, as shown in FIG. 9B), four rear-contact PV cells per row, five rear-contact PV cells per row, etc.). Moreover, any number of rows per substring is also expected. PV cell arrays and PV modules may include multiple TCT substrings 902 (eg, four TCT substrings 902A, 902B, 902C, and 902D). TCT substrings 902 may be connected together in series, parallel, series-parallel, or TCT to provide desired PV cell array characteristics. A bypass diode 1338 may be connected in parallel with each TCT substring 902 . Diodes 1338 may be connected to the distributed PV cell array through the conductive backsheet conductive regions. Bypass diodes may allow bypassing of TCT substrings 902 under mismatched or partially shaded conditions. According to some aspects, bypass diodes 1338 may not be used, or may only be connected in parallel with some TCT substrings 902 . According to some aspects of the present disclosure, power electronics as discussed herein perform (eg, bypassing substrings and It can be utilized to control substring behavior under mismatch and/or partial shading conditions (such as by optimizing the substrings).

FIG. 13B illustrates an exemplary PV cell array acting conductive backsheet 901G, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Conductive backsheet 901G includes conductive backsheets 901A, 901B, 901C, 901D, 901E, 901F, and 901H (and conductive backsheet 901), unless otherwise specified in connection with conductive backsheet 901G. (generally described as ). For purposes of illustration, FIG. 13B illustrates four rows of six rear-contact PV cells 904, but the remaining rear-contact PV cells (to complete the rear-contact PV cell array) are clearly shown. omitted to make Rear contact PV cell 904 is shown semi-transparent for illustration purposes. The black lines represent the areas of the conductive backsheet 901G that are free of conductive material, and the white spaces between the black lines represent the conductive areas. By removing or not removing certain areas of the conductive backsheet 901G, cross-coupling between parallel-connected rear-contact PV cells 904 can be readily obtained. FIG. 13B shows 16 rear contact PV cells 904 (FIG. 13B does not show the entire distributed PV cell array, only 16 rear contact PV cells 904 of the whole rear contact PV cell array). ), four columns of six rear-contact PV cells 904 each. Each row may include six rear-contact PV cells 904 electrically connected to each other in parallel (one polarity rear-contact PV cell terminal is connected to the same polarity rear-contact PV cell terminal of another rear-contact PV cell in the same column). electrically connected to the PV cell terminals). Additionally, by not removing the conductive material between the rear-contact PV cells 904 of a row, adjacent rows can be electrically connected in series-parallel with TCTs as TCT substrings 902 . Although FIG. 13B illustrates the above configuration with 6 rear-contact PV cells per row, embodiments are possible with any number of rear-contact PV cells per row (e.g., 2, 3, 4 1, 5, etc. rear contact PV cells). Additionally, TCT substring 902 may include any number of lines. Referring to Figure 13B, a distributed PV cell array realized by a conductive backsheet 901G can include two TCT substrings 902A and 902B. The two substrings can also be connected in parallel with each other. The negative terminals of the bottom row of TCT substrings 902A may be connected via conductive traces 1306 to the negative terminals of the top row of TCT substrings 902B. Alternatively, the positive terminals of the bottom row of TCT substrings 902A may be electrically connected to the positive terminals of the top row of TCT substrings 902B. TCT substrings 902A and 902B may be oriented such that the positive terminal of the bottom row of TCT substring 902B and the positive terminal of the top row of TCT substring 902A may be electrically connected via the conductive regions. . Alternatively, TCT substrings 902A and 902B may be oriented such that the negative terminal of the bottom row of TCT substring 902B and the negative terminal of the top row of TCT substring 902A may be electrically connected via conductive regions. may be attached. Thereby, TCT substrings 902A and 902B may be electrically connected in parallel with each other.

Referring to Figure 13B, a bypass diode 1338 may be added to the TCT substring 902A. A bypass diode 1338 may be electrically connected in parallel with TCT substring 902A and may act to bypass substring 902A in the event of a mismatch or partial blockage condition. Additionally or alternatively, a bypass diode may be electrically connected in parallel with TCT substring 902B, such a bypass diode 1338 may be connected in parallel with TCT substring 902B only, or A bypass diode 1338 connected in parallel with the TCT substring 902A may also be connected. According to some aspects, bypass diode 1338 may not be used. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the power electronics, as discussed herein, may perform (e.g., , bypassing the substrings, and/or optimizing the substrings) to control the behavior of the substrings under mismatched and/or partial shading conditions.

FIG. 13C illustrates an exemplary PV cell array working conductive backsheet, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Conductive backsheet 901H includes conductive backsheets 901A, 901B, 901C, 901D, 901E, 901F, and 901G (and conductive backsheet 901H, unless otherwise specified in connection with conductive backsheet 901H). (generally described as ). For purposes of illustration, FIG. 13C illustrates four rows of six rear-contact PV cells 904, but the remaining rear-contact PV cells (to complete the rear-contact PV cell array) are clearly shown. omitted to make Rear contact PV cell 904 is shown semi-transparent for illustration purposes. The black lines represent the areas of the conductive backsheet 901H that are free of conductive material, and the white spaces between the black lines represent the conductive areas. Cross-coupling between parallel-connected rear-contact PV cells 904 can be readily obtained by removing or not removing certain areas of the conductive backsheet 901H. FIG. 13B shows 16 rear contact PV cells 904 (FIG. 13B does not show the entire distributed PV cell array, only 16 rear contact PV cells 904 of the whole rear contact PV cell array). ), showing four rows of six rear-contact PV cells 904 each. Each row may include six rear-contact PV cells 904 electrically connected in parallel with each other (where the rear-contact PV cell terminals of one polarity are the rear-contact terminals of other PV cells in the row of the same polarity). (electrically connected to Additionally, by not removing the conductive material between the rear-contact PV cells 904 of a row, adjacent rows can be electrically connected in series-parallel with TCTs as TCT substrings 902 . Although FIG. 13C illustrates the above configuration with six rear-contact PV cells 904 per row, embodiments are possible with any number of rear-contact PV cells 904 per row (e.g., two, three, or two per row). , four, five, etc. rear contact PV cells). Further, TCT substring 902 includes any number of lines. Referring to Figure 13C, a distributed PV cell array realized by a conductive backsheet 901H can include two TCT substrings 902A and 902B. Two TCT substrings 902 may be connected in series with each other. The negative terminals of the top row of TCT substrings 902A are electrically connected to the positive terminals of the bottom row of TCT substrings 902B, effectively connecting TCT substrings 902A and 902B in series and providing the rear contact PV of the PV cell array. Cells can be effectively connected in series-parallel with the TCT.

Referring to FIG. 13C, a bypass diode can be electrically connected in parallel with each TCT substring 902A and 902B. A bypass diode 1338 may be connected between the positive and negative terminals of each TCT substring 902A and 902B. Additionally or alternatively, some configurations may omit bypass diodes 1338 for some or all TCT substrings 902 . Additionally or alternatively, more bypass diodes may be used, for example each row (or any subset of rows) may have bypass diodes 1338 wired in parallel to bypass the respective row. may contain. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, power electronics (eg, PE3202) as discussed herein perform, among other functions described herein (eg, DC-DC conversion, inversion, etc.) In particular, it can be utilized to control the behavior of substrings under mismatched and/or partially shaded conditions (e.g., by bypassing substrings and/or optimizing substrings, etc.). . Power electronics may be utilized with or without bypass diode 1338 .

Aspects of the disclosure may relate to the manufacture and production of distributed PV cell arrays 1010 and distributed PV modules herein. An uncut or otherwise consolidated conductive backsheet 901 may be obtained. The conductive backsheet 901 is cut into patterns and conductive areas to achieve the desired electrical interconnectivity and spatial arrangement of the distributed PV cell array 1010 and additional electronics as described herein. obtained (eg, via a laser cutter, plasma cutter, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the conductive backsheet 901 may be patterned to achieve the desired electrical interconnectivity and spatial arrangement of the distributed PV cell array 1010 and additional electronics, as described herein. and may be etched into the conductive regions (eg, by an acid etching solution). Additionally or alternatively, the conductive material comprises a conductive backsheet 901 that provides the desired electrical interconnectivity and spatial alignment of the distributed PV cell array 1010 and additional electronics, as described herein. It may be deposited on the backsheet in patterns and conductive areas that can be created. The above methods of creating the conductive backsheet 901 are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other methods of producing conductive backsheet 901 are known to those skilled in the art and are contemplated herein.

A conductive backsheet 901 may be placed over the additional layers. For example, the conductive backsheet 901 can be placed over an encapsulant (eg, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)) sheet or other encapsulant. The conductive backsheet 901 and encapsulant may be a protective and/or electrically insulating backsheet (e.g., dual fluoropolymer backsheet, single fluoropolymer backsheet, non-fluoropolymer backsheet (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, PET) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA))). The cells can be placed on top of and electrically connected to the conductive backsheet 901 . For example, a conductive adhesive can be placed on the conductive backsheet 901 over the desired area for electrical connection of the rear contact PV cells 904 . Rear contact PV cells 904 can be placed on a conductive adhesive on a conductive backsheet 901 . An insulating layer may be placed between the conductive adhesive and the rear contact PV cell 904 . The rear-contact PV cells can be placed and positioned as desired on the conductive backsheet 901 by, for example, automated manipulators, pick-and-place machines, humans, and the like. Power electronics (eg, optimizers, microinverters, DC-DC converters, etc.) and/or passive electronics (eg, bypass diodes, blocking diodes, etc.) may be added to the conductive backsheet 901 . A top encapsulant and/or glass may be added on top of the distributed PV cell array 1010 . A PV module frame may be added. Post-treatments may be applied (eg, in an oven, laminator, etc.).

According to aspects, the PV arrays herein can be differently packaged to create different PV modules. For example, any of the PV arrays herein can be packaged into stand-alone PV modules as described. Additionally or alternatively, any of the PV arrays described herein may be combined with roofing tiles (e.g., asphalt roofing shingles, metal roofing shingles, wooden roofing shingles, etc.). The PV arrays of the present disclosure may be encapsulated (eg, with glass and/or EVA, etc.) and attached to roof tiles substantially as described above. A roof tile may form an inherent part of a roof tile PV module (eg, an asphalt roofing shingle may serve as and/or be configured as a PV module backsheet). . Alternatively, completed PV modules may be attached to roof tiles. Arrays of the present disclosure may provide roof tile PV module arrays with increased shading and/or other mismatch mitigation.

Two-row substring PV cell arrays, four-row substring PV cell arrays, and PV cell arrays including substrings 102 with any number of rows of the present disclosure are similarly implemented utilizing conductive backsheets and rear-contact PV cells. can be For example, referring to FIG. 3A, a conductive backsheet can be fabricated to form conductive regions that provide interconnectivity for PV cells 904 and two-row substrings 102A illustrated in FIG. 3A. . Additionally, the substring midpoint cross-links 336A, 336B can be patterned into the conductive backsheet. Referring to FIG. 4A, the incorporation and/or addition of bypass diodes 438 similarly form the necessary conductive areas and conductive voids within the conductive backsheet (e.g., etched conductive layers) as desired. can be achieved by plugging a bypass diode into the backsheet).

Aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented using any size full PV cell 104 or full rear contact PV cell 904, or any size

カットＰＶセルを用いて実施され得、ここでＮは整数である。ＰＶセル（例えば、ＰＶセル１０４、リアコンタクトＰＶセル９０４）は、

It can be implemented using cut PV cells, where N is an integer. PV cells (e.g., PV cell 104, rear contact PV cell 904) are

サイズに切断され得、

can be cut to size,

カットＰＶセルをもたらし得る。

It can result in cut PV cells.

カットＰＶセルは、フルＰＶセルと実質的に同じ電位特性を有し得るが、同じ状態下で、実質的に

A cut PV cell can have substantially the same potential characteristics as a full PV cell, but under the same conditions, substantially

フルＰＶセルの電流生産を有し得る。本開示に従ってＰＶセルを切断することは、所望の電力特性、サイズ、アスペクト比、耐遮光性などを達成するようにＰＶモジュールを設計する際の柔軟性を可能にし得る。例えば、本開示は、

It can have the current production of a full PV cell. Cutting PV cells in accordance with the present disclosure may allow flexibility in designing PV modules to achieve desired power characteristics, size, aspect ratio, light resistance, and the like. For example, the present disclosure provides

カットＰＶセル、

cut PV cell,

カットＰＶセル、

cut PV cell,

カットＰＶセルなど、又はそれらの任意の組み合わせで実施され得る。カットＰＶセルは、例えば、ＰＶセルを一次元に沿って切断することによって（例えば、２１０ｍｍ×２１０ｍｍのセルを、各々約２１０×３０ｍｍの７つのストリップに切断することによって）、又は二次元に沿って切断することによって得られ得る（例えば、セルの粒度を増加させ、設計の柔軟性を改善することができる、より小さいカットセルは、２１０ｍｍ×２１０ｍｍのセルを垂直に１回、水平に６回切断して、各々約１０５ｍｍ×３０ｍｍの１４個のカットセルを得ることによって得られ得る）。図８は、

It can be implemented with cut PV cells, etc., or any combination thereof. Cut PV cells can be made, for example, by cutting the PV cell along one dimension (e.g., by cutting a 210 mm x 210 mm cell into seven strips of approximately 210 x 30 mm each) or along two dimensions. (e.g., which can increase cell granularity and improve design flexibility), smaller cut cells can be obtained by cutting a 210 mm × 210 mm cell once vertically and six times horizontally. by cutting to obtain 14 cut cells of approximately 105 mm x 30 mm each). Figure 8 shows

カットＰＶセル８０４アレイを有する例示的な２行サブストリング１０２ＡのＰＶモジュール８００を図示する。図８を参照すると、

An exemplary two-row substring 102A PV module 800 with an array of cut PV cells 804 is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 8,

カットＰＶセル８０４（又は任意の

cut PV cell 804 (or any

）を有するＰＶセルアレイは、本開示の配列に実質的に従って配列され得る（例えば、図８は、フルＰＶセルの代わりに１／２カットＰＶセル８０４を有する図３Ａと実質的に同様の構成及び図３Ｂと実質的に同様の電気回路図を有するＰＶモジュール８００及びＰＶセルアレイ８１０を図示する）。

) can be arranged substantially according to the arrangement of the present disclosure (e.g., FIG. 8 has a configuration substantially similar to FIG. 3A with half-cut PV cells 804 instead of full PV cells and FIG. 3B shows a PV module 800 and a PV cell array 810 with electrical schematics substantially similar to FIG. 3B).

カットサブストリング１０２（直列に接続された

Cut substrings 102 (connected in series

カットＰＶセルを含むサブストリング１０２）は、実質的に本明細書に記載するように配列され得る。

Substrings 102) containing cut PV cells may be arranged substantially as described herein.

カットサブストリングは、２つのサブサブストリング１０２Ａからなる行に配列され得る（図８に図示するように）。本開示のそのような態様では、そのような

The cut substrings may be arranged in rows of two subsubstrings 102A (as illustrated in FIG. 8). In such aspects of the disclosure, such

カットＰＶセル２行サブストリング１０２Ａの配列及び電気的接続は、図１Ａ～図５Ｂに関連して記載するような２行サブストリング１０２Ａの配列及び電気的接続を実質的に反映し得る。

The arrangement and electrical connections of the cut PV cell two-row substrings 102A may substantially mirror the arrangements and electrical connections of the two-row substrings 102A as described in connection with FIGS. 1A-5B.

カットサブストリングは、４つ以上のサブサブストリングからなる行に配列され得る。本開示のそのような態様では、そのような配列及び電気的接続

Cut substrings may be arranged in rows of four or more subsubstrings. In such aspects of the disclosure, such arrangements and electrical connections

カットＰＶセル４行サブストリング１０２Ｂは、図６Ａ～図７Ｂに関連して本明細書に記載するような４行サブストリング１０２Ｂの配列及び電気的接続を実質的に反映し得る。

The cut PV cell 4-row substring 102B may substantially mirror the arrangement and electrical connections of the 4-row substring 102B as described herein with respect to FIGS. 6A-7B.

カットＰＶセルサブストリングを備えるＰＶセルアレイは、本明細書に記載するように、縦向き、横向き、又は正方形の向きに配列され得る。リアコンタクトＰＶセル９０４を同様に切断して、

A PV cell array comprising cut PV cell substrings can be arranged in a vertical, horizontal, or square orientation as described herein. Similarly disconnect the rear contact PV cell 904 to

カットリアコンタクトＰＶセルをもたらし得る。

Cut rear contact PV cells can result.

カットリアコンタクトＰＶセルサブストリング（

cut rear contact PV cell substring (

カットリアコンタクトＰＶセル、例えば、分散サブストリング１００２及びＴＣＴサブストリング９０２を備える）は、例えば、図９Ａ～図１３Ｃに関連して本明細書に記載するようなリアコンタクトＰＶセル９０４と実質的に同じ様式で、導電性バックシート９０１を利用して配列され、かつ電気的に接続され得る。

A cut rear-contact PV cell (eg, comprising distributed substrings 1002 and TCT substrings 902) is substantially similar to rear-contact PV cell 904, eg, as described herein with respect to FIGS. 9A-13C. In the same manner, they can be arranged and electrically connected using a conductive backsheet 901 .

カットサブストリングは、本明細書に記載するように、分散サブストリングに配列され得る。本開示のそのような態様では、そのような

Cut substrings may be arranged into scattered substrings as described herein. In such aspects of the disclosure, such

カットＰＶセル分散サブストリングの配列及び電気的接続は、例えば、図９Ａ、図１０Ａ、図１０Ｂ、図１１Ａ～図１２Ｂに関連して本明細書に記載するような分散サブストリングの配列及び電気的接続を実質的に反映し得る。

The arrangement and electrical connection of the cut PV cell distributed substrings can be, for example, the arrangement and electrical connections of the distributed substrings as described herein in connection with FIGS. 9A, 10A, 10B, 11A-12B connection can be reflected substantially.

カットサブストリングは、本明細書に記載するように、ＴＣＴサブストリング内に配列され得る。本開示のそのような態様では、そのような

Cut substrings can be arranged within TCT substrings as described herein. In such aspects of the disclosure, such

カットＰＶセルＴＣＴサブストリングの配列及び電気的接続は、例えば、図９Ｂ、図１３Ａ～図１３Ｃに関連して本明細書に記載するようなＴＣＴサブストリングの配列及び電気的接続を実質的に反映し得る。

The arrangement and electrical connection of the cut PV cell TCT substrings substantially mirrors the arrangement and electrical connection of the TCT substrings as described herein with respect to, for example, FIGS. 9B, 13A-13C. can.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to PV cell arrays and PV modules that may be combined with roof tiles (ie, roofing shingles). Roof tile PV cell arrays and roof tile PV modules are determined by roof tile geometry, roof tile PV module size relative to the entire roof tile, design open circuit voltage ( _VOC ) considerations, design closed circuit current ( _ISC ) considerations. , roof tile PV cell array topology, shading and other misalignment considerations, manufacturability issues, and the like. Additionally, roof tile PV cell arrays and/or PV modules may include materials and structures useful for roof tiles. For example, roof tile PV cell arrays and/or PV modules may comprise a backsheet, which includes, for example, materials and shapes useful for roof tiles (e.g., asphalt, wood, wood shake, metal, slate, etc.). obtain. In addition to comprising photovoltaic cell arrays, roof tile PV cell arrays and/or modules may be mechanically configured as roof tiles (e.g., including material overlaps or weatherproofing when installed, for example). form the sexual layer). Any number of considerations may be balanced when designing such roof tile PV cell arrays and modules. For example, it may be desirable to increase mitigation of partial shading or other misalignment conditions to increase power production and efficiency while reducing production and installation costs and complexity. In view of the above, aspects of the present disclosure provide a roof tile PV cell array topology, electrical interconnection and interconnection of the roof tile PV cell array topology, power optimization of the roof tile PV cell array, and production of the roof tile PV cell array. Regarding.

As described herein, PV generators (eg, PV cell arrays, PV modules) may benefit from being electrically connected in a total cross-coupled (TCT) configuration. A TCT configuration is one in which PV generators are electrically connected in parallel as a group of parallel-connected PV generators, and two or more groups of parallel-connected PV generators are electrically connected in series. can be understood. A TCT configuration may improve power generation, improve efficiency, and mitigate partial shading and/or other mismatch conditions compared to series, parallel, and series-parallel configurations. However, TCT configurations can be associated with increased production costs and complexity (eg, complexity of electrical connections). Moreover, as described herein, power generation, efficiency, and mismatch mitigation can be further improved by spatially distributing electrically parallel-connected PV generators within an array. Such spatial distribution may serve, for example, to distribute the effects of partial shading or other misalignment conditions. However, such spatial distribution can be associated with additional production costs and increased complexity. For example, a TCT spatially distributed array can be associated with conductor intersections of PV cell array conductors. Such conductor crossings may be associated with additional production steps, such as additional layers of electrical insulation between conductor layers. Thus, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a TCT spatially distributed PV cell array (eg, a TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array) while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

FIG. 14A illustrates exemplary electrical interconnectivity of a 2×2 TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 14A, a 2×2 TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array may include substrings 1402A, 1402B, 1402C, and 1402D (generally referred to as substrings 1402). Substrings shown in the same pattern in FIGS. 14A and 14B can be understood to be electrically connected in parallel with each other. As such, substrings 1402A and 1402B may be electrically connected in parallel with each other as substring group A. FIG. In addition, substrings 1402C and 1402D may be electrically connected in parallel with each other as substring group B. Substring group A may be electrically connected in series with substring group B to create a TCT PV cell array.

FIG. 14B illustrates an exemplary spatially distributed physical arrangement of the substrings of FIG. 14A. Referring to FIG. 14B, substrings 1402A-1402D may be spatially distributed such that substrings electrically connected in parallel with each other may be arranged in different rows and/or columns. (In larger PV cell arrays, substrings electrically connected in parallel may be arranged in the same rows and/or columns while maintaining the overall spatial distribution of the PV cell array). 14A and 14B, substring 1402A can be electrically connected in parallel to substring 1402B as described. Substring 1402A may be disposed in row/column 1,1 and substring 1402B may be disposed in row/column 2,2. In addition, substring 1402D can be electrically connected to substring 1402C. Substring 1402C may be disposed at row/column 2,1 and substring 1402D may be disposed at row/column 1,2. Thus, the substrings are TCT and can be spatially distributed. The spatial arrangement of FIG. 14B is one example of possible spatial distribution. Thus, it should be appreciated that the substrings of FIG. 14A may be distributed differently within the PV cell array.

As noted, TCT PV cell arrays and spatially distributed PV cell arrays in general can be associated with increased production complexity (eg, complex electrical connections). Aspects of the present disclosure relate to TCT spatially distributed PV cell array topologies that may reduce production complexity. FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary roof tile PV cell array topology of the 2×2 TCT and spatially distributed PV cell arrays and PV modules of FIGS. 14A and 14B, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; Referring to FIG. 15, a 2×2 substring TCT and spatially distributed roof tile PV module 1500 may include a roof tile PV cell array 1510 . Roof tile PV cell array 1510 may include four substrings 1502, substring 1502A, substring 1502B, substring 1502C, and substring 1502D in a 2×2 (ie, two rows, two columns) arrangement (substring 1502A 1502D may correspond to substrings 1402A-1402D of FIGS. 14A and 14B, respectively). Although four substrings 1502 are illustrated, any number of substrings 1502 is contemplated. Substrings 1502 may be illustrated in patterns. Similar patterned substrings 1502 may be considered electrically connected in parallel (described in more detail). Referring to FIG. 15, substring 1502A may be electrically connected in parallel to substring 1502B. Substring 1502C may be electrically connected in parallel with substring 1502D. Parallel groups of substrings 1502A and 1502B may be electrically connected in series with parallel groups of substrings 1502C and 1502D resulting in a TCT, spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array 1510 .

Each of substrings 1502A-1502D may include a number of PV cells 1504 electrically connected in series. (For clarity of illustration, only one PV cell 1504 is shown by reference number per substring 1502, but each PV cell 1504 (eight PV cells 1504 are shown per substring 1502 in FIG. 15). ) should be considered substantially the same as each other). Each PV cell can have a positive terminal and a negative terminal (eg, the open circuit voltage of the PV cell can be measured when the PV cell is producing power). Similarly, each substring 1502 (ie, 1502A-1502D) of series-connected PV cells 1504 may include a substring positive terminal and a substring negative terminal (e.g., a substring open circuit when the substring produces power). voltage can be measured). Substrings 1502A-1502D may be arranged in relation to each other such that TCT and spatially distributed topologies may be achieved while reducing production complexity. For example, the positive and negative substring terminals can be arranged differently such that conductor crossing on the roof tile PV module 1500 outside the junction box 1542 can be reduced. Roof tile PV module 1500 may include junction box 1542 . Junction boxes 1542 may likewise be strategically placed to achieve desired electrical interconnections and spatial distribution while reducing manufacturing complexity. Conductor crossings inside the junction box 1542 may be cheaper and less complex to achieve than conductor crossings on the roof tile PV module 1500 outside the junction box 1542 .

With continued reference to FIG. 15, roof tile PV cell array 1510 (and roof tile PV module 1500) is defined by two opposing long sides 1550 (first long reference side 1550A and second long reference side 1550B). and a short portion defined by two opposing short sides 1548 (a first short reference side 1548A and a second short reference side 1548B). The PV cell array of FIG. 15 may be considered a horizontal array because each of substrings 1502A-1502D extends horizontally (along its long dimension). The substrings are arranged in two rows of two substrings (rows extending along the long dimension) and two columns of two substrings (columns extending along the short dimension). can be set. A junction box 1542 may be disposed between two rows of roof tile PV cell arrays 1510 proximate to a first short reference side 1548A. Substring 1502 A may be disposed in the first row, first column of roof tile PV cell array 1510 . A first row may begin at the positive terminal of substring 1502A. Substring 1502A extends from its positive terminal along the long dimension into the first row, proximate the center of the first row (eg, proximate longitudinal midline 1530). , may terminate at the negative terminal of substring 1502A. Substring 1502D may be arranged in the first row, second column of roof tile PV cell array 1510 . The negative terminal of substring 1502D may be disposed proximate the center of the first row (eg, proximate longitudinal midline 1530). Substring 1502D extends from its negative terminal near the center of the first row along the long dimension of the PV cell array and near the second short reference side 1548B at the end of the first row. may be terminated at the positive terminal of substring 1502D.

Substring 1502C may be disposed in the second row, first column of roof tile PV cell array 1510 . The negative terminal of substring 1502C may be disposed proximate first short reference edge 1548A at the start of the second row. The substrings 1502C may extend into the second row along the long dimension of the roof tile PV cell array 1510 and proximate the middle of the second row (eg, proximate the longitudinal midline 1530). ) may terminate at the positive terminal of substring 1502C. Substring 1502B may be arranged in a second row, second column. The positive terminal of substring 1502B may be disposed proximate the center of the second row (eg, proximate longitudinal midline 1530). Substring 1502B may extend from its positive terminal along the long dimension of roof tile PV cell array 1510 to the negative terminal of substring 1502B. The negative terminal of substring 1502B may be disposed proximate second short reference edge 1548 at the end of the second row of the PV cell array. The substring terminals are:

のようにルーフタイルＰＶセルアレイ１５１０内に配列されていると見なされ得る。

are arranged in the roof tile PV cell array 1510 as follows.

The substring terminal arrangement as described above may reduce the complexity of the electrical connections of the TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array 1510 . For example, TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array electrical connections can be achieved without conductor crossings on the roof tile PV module (outside of junction box 1542). FIG. 15 illustrates exemplary routing of conductors (eg, ribbon wires) that can be achieved on roof tile PV modules 1500 . The conductors in FIG. 15 are illustrated as paths (ie, bold lines) (some are patterned). Referring to FIG. 15, the positive terminal of substring 1502D may be disposed proximate to the negative terminal of substring 1502B. These terminals may be disposed proximate to the second short reference side 1548B of the PV cell array. Additionally, the negative terminal of substring 1502A may be disposed proximate to the positive terminal of substring 1502C. These terminals may be disposed proximate to the longitudinal midline 1530 of the TCT Spatially Distributed PV Cell Array 1510 . A midpoint conductor 1536 (eg, a ribbon wire, a conductive trace of a conductive backsheet) can be electrically connected to the positive terminal of substring 1502D and the negative terminal of substring 1502B. The midpoint conductor 1536 may simply extend proximate to the second short reference side 1548B of the PV cell array. A midpoint conductor 1536 may be electrically connected to the negative terminal of substring 1502A and the positive terminal of substring 1502C (located in close proximity to each other). A midpoint conductor is then routed (e.g., proximate to and along the transverse midline 1532) and connected between the two rows (between substrings 1502D and 1502B) from the PV cell array. obtain.

Negative conductor 1514A may be connected to the negative terminal of substring 1502D and extends along the long dimension toward and proximate first long reference side 1550A to the first long reference side 1550A. It may be routed toward short reference edge 1548A. Proximate first short reference side 1548 A, negative conductor 1514 A of substring 1502 D may be routed into junction box 1542 . Additionally, a positive conductor 1516A may be connected to the positive terminal of substring 1502B and along a long dimension toward and proximate to second long reference side 1550B, It may be routed toward the first short reference edge 1548A. Proximate first short reference side 1548 A, positive conductor 1516 A of substring 1502 B may be routed into junction box 1542 . The positive terminal of substring 1502A may terminate proximate to the first short reference side. Thus, the positive terminal of substring 1502A may terminate in close proximity to junction box 1542 . A positive conductor 1516B may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of substring 1502A and routed into junction box 1542 . Similarly, the negative terminal of substring 1502C may terminate proximate to the first short reference side. Thus, negative conductor 1514B may be electrically connected to the negative terminal of substring 1502C and routed into junction box 1542 . The remaining electrical connections (eg, negative conductor 1514A to negative conductor 1514B, positive conductor 1516A to positive conductor 1516B) are accomplished within junction box 1542 to achieve the desired TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array 1510. obtain.

One or more active and/or passive electrical and/or power components (eg, passive electronics and/or power electronics) may be connected with the TCT Spatially Distributed Roof Tile PV Cell Array 1510 at junction box 1542, for example. . For example, one or more diodes (eg, bypass diodes and/or blocking diodes) may be included in junction box 1542 . Diodes, for example, to allow bypassing of one or more substrings (eg, connected in parallel with each of the one or more substrings 1502) in case of mismatch conditions, and/or It may be included to prevent reverse flow of current through strings 1502 and/or TCT spatially distributed PV cell array 1510 . Alternatively, diodes may not be used with the TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array 1510 . Additionally or alternatively, active power electronics, such as DC-DC converters, power optimizers, microinverters, MPPTs, power electronics 3202, etc., may be used to affect the power produced by the TCT Spatially Distributed Roof Tile PV Cell Array 1510. , may be attached to the TCT spatially distributed PV cell array 1510 . Power electronics connected to the TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array 1510 may, for example, bypass one or more of the substrings 1502, shift the operating point of one or more of the substrings 1502, etc. Additionally, one or more of the substrings 1502 may be affected. Following electrical connections at junction box 1542 and optional addition of passive and/or active electronics, TCT Spatially Distributed Roof Tile PV Cell Array 1510 is configured at positive and negative roof tile PV Cell Array terminals. It can be electrically terminated. Positive and negative roof tile PV cell array terminals may utilize power produced by the roof tile PV cell array. A positive roof tile PV module lead and a negative roof tile PV module lead may be incorporated into and extend from junction box 1542 . Positive and negative roof tile PV module leads may be electrically connected to positive and negative roof tile PV cell array terminals, respectively. This allows power generated by the roof tile PV cell array 1510 to be utilized at the positive and negative roof tile PV module leads. PV module leads connect subsequent components (e.g., PV modules, active electronics, passive electronics, grids, batteries, etc.) to the power produced by roof tile PV cell array 1510 and roof tile PV modules 1500 to A connector (eg, an MC4 connector) may be included to utilize and/or act upon.

The above description illustrates the substrings 1502A-1502D of FIG. 15 along with their relative positions based on the orientation of the PV cell array as illustrated in FIG. However, it should be understood that the orientation of FIG. 15 may vary. For example, when mounted, the TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array of FIG. 15 can be rotated, eg, 90°, 180°, 270°, etc. Assuming an example where the PV cell array of FIG. 15 is rotated 180 degrees, substring 1502B can be considered to be located at the first row, first column position. However, the relative position of each of the substring terminals need not change to allow for the same electrical interconnection scheme. Additionally, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may be similarly implemented if the arrangement of each substring 1502A-1502D is rotated 180°. Therefore, the terminals of the roof tile PV cell array are:

のように配設され得る。

can be arranged as

Junction box 1542 is illustrated as being disposed proximate the transverse midline 1532 of TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array 1510 (ie, between two columns). It should be appreciated that the junction box 1542 can be moved differently according to aspects. For example, junction box 1542 may be disposed proximate to the intersection of first short reference side 1548A and first long reference side 1550A. Alternatively, junction box 1542 may be disposed proximate to the intersection of first short reference side 1548A and second long reference side 1550B. Additionally, junction box 1542 may be disposed anywhere between the positions described above. In addition, roof tile PV module 1500 and TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array 1510 are illustrated as including one junction box 1542 in which both positive and negative connections can be completed. However, according to aspects, roof tile PV module 1500 and roof tile PV cell array 1510 may include two junction boxes (eg, a positive junction box and a negative junction box) in which positive and negative connections, respectively, may be implemented.

As described herein, aspects of the present disclosure can be used with full PV cells, any size PV cells or any size, or any

カットＰＶセルを用いて実施され得、ここで、Ｎは整数である。フルＰＶセルを

It can be implemented using cut PV cells, where N is an integer. full PV cell

サイズに切断して、

cut to size,

カットＰＶセルをもたらし得る。記載のように、

It can result in cut PV cells. As stated,

カットＰＶセルは、

The cut PV cell is

カットＰＶセルが切断されたＰＶセルの電位特性と実質的に同様の電位特性を生み出し得る。一方、

A cut PV cell may produce potential characteristics substantially similar to those of a cut PV cell. on the other hand,

カットＰＶセルは、同じ状態（例えば、同じ照射照度状態、環境状態、試験状態など）下で、

Under the same conditions (e.g., same illumination conditions, environmental conditions, test conditions, etc.), the cut PV cells

カットＰＶセルが切断されたフルＰＶセルとしての実質的に

A cut PV cell is effectively a cut full PV cell

倍の電流生産を生み出し得る。

It can produce twice the current production.

The roof tile PV cell array 1510 of FIG. 15 is illustrated as including eight PV cells 1504 per substring 1502, the PV cells 1504 of the substrings 1502 being:

カットＰＶセルとして図示されている。本開示の態様によれば、サブストリング１５０２（すなわち、１５０２Ａ～１５０２Ｄ）は、サブストリング当たり任意の数のＰＶセル１５０４を含み得る。加えて、サブストリング１５０２のＰＶセル１５０４は、任意の

It is shown as a cut PV cell. According to aspects of this disclosure, substrings 1502 (ie, 1502A-1502D) may include any number of PV cells 1504 per substring. In addition, PV cells 1504 of substring 1502 can be any

カットＰＶセル（フルＰＶセルを含む）であり得ることが企図される。

It is contemplated that it may be a cut PV cell (including full PV cells).

Referring to FIG. 15, it may be advantageous to route midpoint conductor 1536 to junction box 1542 . Access to midpoint conductor 1536 within junction box 1542 may allow for further configurability with passive and/or active electronics. As such, the desired midpoint conductor is located between the first and second rows (i.e., between substrings 1502A and 1502C) and within junction box 1542 (e.g., adjacent transverse midline 1532). and along). There, the electrical midpoint of the roof tile PV cell array (eg, via midpoint conductor 1536) can be utilized for active and/or passive electronic integration, for example.

Roof tile PV cell arrays and roof tile PV modules can be advantageously implemented using rear contact PV cells and conductive backsheets. As described herein, TCT-connected spatially distributed PV cell arrays may involve increased production complexity. Such production complexity may be associated with the electrical connections of the TCT's spatially distributed PV cell array. As such, the present disclosure contemplates utilizing rear-contact PV cells (e.g., metal wrap-through (MWT), interdigitated back contact (IBC), etc.) and conductive backsheets to reduce production complexity. do.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 1601 that can implement the exemplary TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array of FIG. 15 according to this disclosure. Conductive backsheet 1601 can be made from any conductive material, such as a metal (eg, copper, silver, etc.). The conductive backsheet 1601 is cut in a particular pattern (black lines in FIG. ) to form the desired conductive regions (illustrated as white spaces between cuts). The conductive regions include conductive pads 1608 configured to electrically join adjacent rear-contact PV cells 1604 (e.g., configured to electrically connect two adjacent rear-contact PV cells 1604 in series). conductive pads 1608) and conductive traces 1614 and 1616 configured to carry power (eg, conductive traces 1614A, 1614B, 1616A and 1616B). The terms conductive pad 1608 and conductive traces 1614 and 1616 are merely exemplary terms for the more general conductive regions and should not be construed to limit the scope of this disclosure. Conductive pad 1608 is a conductive trace 1614 or 1616 (e.g., conductive trace 1616A, see also, e.g., conductive trace 960A of TCT substring 902A in FIG. 9B), and conductive trace 1614 or 1616 is a conductive pad. It can end at 1608. Additionally or alternatively, a conductive region may function as both a conductive pad 1608 and a conductive trace 1614 or 1616, or neither (e.g., a conductive region may , may be utilized as conductive traces in an integrated circuit on the rear contact backsheet). The rear contact PV cells 1604 may be electrically attached to the conductive backsheet 1601 by, for example, a conductive paste to form the desired conductive backsheet PV cell array as described herein (rear contact PV cells 1604). Contact PV cells 1604 are not all referenced numerically and are shown as gray transparent shapes and PVs of substrings 1602B, 1602C and 1602D have been omitted for clarity of illustration. ). Such a conductive backsheet 1601 may be used to provide electronics (e.g., power, as discussed in more detail herein) to the conductive backsheet PV module by incorporating circuits and circuit paths directly into the conductive backsheet 1601 . electronics) can be easily incorporated. Various forms of conductive backsheet 1601 are contemplated, some of which are described in more detail herein. All conductive backsheets described herein can be substantially similar and can be produced in substantially similar manner (other than the pattern) unless explicitly stated otherwise herein.

16, substrings 1602A-1602D of FIG. 16 can be understood to correspond to substrings 1502A-1502D of FIG. 15, respectively. Further, the conductive traces of FIG. 16 can be understood as corresponding to the conductors of FIG. As such, conductive traces 1636, 1614A, 1614B, 1616A, and 1616B of FIG. 16 may be understood as corresponding to conductors 1536, 1514A, 1514B, 1516A, and 1516B of FIG. 15, respectively. As such, it will be appreciated that the benefits of the topology of FIG. 15 can be achieved with various production methods (eg, ribbon wire, conductive backsheet). It can be appreciated that midpoint conductor 1536 may correspond to conductive trace 1636 . Midpoint conductors 1536 and midpoint traces 1636 may add increased parallelism (eg, TCT connections) to roof tile PV cell array 1510 of FIG. Midpoint conductor 1536 and conductive trace 1636 may be primarily conductive in case of misalignment (eg, when a portion of roof tile PV cell array 1510 is shaded). As such, midpoint conductors 1536 and conductive traces 1636 may be substantially reduced compared to other conductors of roof tile PV cell array 1510 and/or conductive traces of conductive backsheet 1601 . For example, conductive trace 1636 can be narrower and/or thinner than some or all of conductive traces 1614A, 1614B, 1616A, and 1616B. The same may apply to all midpoint conductors and corresponding conductive traces of this disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary roof tile PV cell array 1710 and an exemplary roof tile PV module 1700 according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. According to considerations, it may be advantageous for the junction box of a roof tile PV module to be disposed near the sides of the roof tile PV module (eg, the PV cell arrays and PV modules of FIGS. 15 and 16). . Alternatively, depending on considerations (e.g. mounting considerations, shading considerations), it may be advantageous for the junction box to be located closer to the center of the module. Aspects of the present disclosure thus provide a TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array and a It relates to roof tile PV modules. As such, aspects further relate to reducing the complexity of manufacturing such roof tile PV cell arrays and PV modules.

Referring to FIG. 17, each of substrings 1702A-1702D (generally substring 1702) may include a number of PV cells 1708 electrically connected in series. (For clarity of illustration, only one PV cell 1708 per substring 1702 is shown by reference number, but each PV cell 1708 (8 PV cells 1708 per substring 1702 in FIG. 17A is shown). ) should be considered substantially the same as each other.The PV module 1700 and PV cell array 1710 of Figure 17 may be understood as additional examples of the TCT spatially distributed PV cell array of Figures 14A and 14B. Each PV cell can have a positive terminal and a negative terminal (eg, the open circuit voltage of the PV cell can be measured when the PV cell is producing power.) Similarly, each PV cell 1708 connected in series can have a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Substrings 1702 (1702A-1702D) may include a substring positive terminal and a substring negative terminal (eg, across the substring positive terminal and substring negative terminal over which the substring open circuit voltage is measured during power production of the substring). Substrings 1702A-1702D are arranged relative to each other such that TCT and spatially distributed topologies with junction boxes close to the longitudinal midline 1730 can be achieved while reducing production complexity. For example, the positive and negative terminals of each of substrings 1702 may be arranged differently such that conductor crossings on roof tile PV modules 1700 outside junction box 1742 may be reduced. may include junction box 1742. Junction box 1742 may likewise be strategically placed to achieve the desired electrical interconnection and spatial distribution. It may be cheaper and less complex than conductor crossings on roof tile PV modules 1700 outside box 1742 .

Roof tile PV cell array 1710 (and roof tile PV module 1700) has a long dimension defined by two opposing long sides 1750 (first long reference side 1750A and second long reference side 1750B); A short portion defined by two opposing short sides 1748 (a first short reference side 1748A and a second short reference side 1748B). The PV cell array of FIG. 17A may be considered a horizontal array because each of the substrings 1702A-1702D extends horizontally along the long dimension (this description is for illustration purposes only; the PV cell array may It can be mounted variously (eg, with the long dimension extending vertically). Substrings 1702 may be arranged in two rows of two substrings (rows extending along the long dimension). and two rows of two substrings (rows extending along the short length). The junction box 1742 may be disposed proximate to the vertical midline 1730 of the roof tile PV cell array (the vertical midline 1730 may be considered the midline between two columns of substrings). Substring 1702 A may be disposed in the first row, first column of roof tile PV cell array 1710 . A first row may begin at the positive terminal of substring 1702A. Substring 1702A may extend from its positive terminal into the first row along the long dimension and terminate at the negative terminal of substring 1702A proximate longitudinal midline 1730 . Substring 1702D may be arranged in the first row, second column of roof tile PV cell array 1710 . The positive terminal of substring 1702D may be disposed proximate to the vertical midline 1730 of the roof tile PV cell array. Substring 1702D extends from its positive terminal near the longitudinal midline 1730 of the first column along the long dimension of the PV cell array to a second short dimension at the end of the first row. It may terminate at the negative terminal of substring 1702D proximate reference side 1748B.

Substring 1702C may be disposed in the second row, first column of roof tile PV cell array 1710 . The negative terminal of substring 1702C may be disposed proximate to first reference short 1748A at the start of the second row. Substring 1702C may extend into a second row along the long dimension of roof tile PV cell array 1710, proximate vertical midline 1730 of the second row at the positive terminal of substring 1702C. can be terminated. Substring 1702B may be arranged in a second row, second column. The negative terminal of substring 1702B may be disposed proximate to the longitudinal midline of the second row. Substring 1702B may extend from its negative terminal along the long dimension of roof tile PV cell array 1710 to the positive terminal of substring 1702B. The positive terminal of substring 1702B may be disposed proximate to second short reference edge 1748B at the end of the second row of the PV cell array. The substring terminals are:

のようにルーフタイルＰＶセルアレイ１７１０内に配列されていると見なされ得る。

are arranged in the roof tile PV cell array 1710 as follows.

Arranging the substring terminals as described above may reduce the complexity of the electrical connections of the TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array 1710 . For example, TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array electrical connections can be achieved without conductor crossings on the roof tile PV module 1700 (outside the junction box 1742). FIG. 17 illustrates exemplary routing of conductors (eg, ribbon wires, conductive traces of a conductive backsheet) that can be achieved on roof tile PV modules 1700 . The conductors in FIG. 17 are shown as paths (some are patterned). Referring to FIG. 17, the negative terminal of substring 1702D may be disposed proximate to the positive terminal of substring 1702B. These terminals may be disposed proximate to the second short reference side 1748B of the roof tile PV cell array. Additionally, the positive terminal of substring 1702A may be disposed proximate to the negative terminal of substring 1702C. These terminals may be disposed proximate to the first short reference side 1748A. A midpoint conductor 1736 (eg, a ribbon wire, a conductive trace of a conductive backsheet) can be electrically connected to the negative terminal of substring 1702D and the positive terminal of substring 1702B. The midpoint conductor 1736 may simply extend proximate to the second short reference side 1748B of the roof tile PV cell array. In addition, midpoint conductor 1736 may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of substring 1702A and the negative terminal of substring 1702C (located in close proximity to each other). A midpoint conductor 1736 is then routed between two rows of PV cell arrays (between substrings 1702D and 1702B) (e.g., proximate to and along the transverse midline 1732). , can be connected. This connection may or may not be implemented within junction box 1742 .

The negative terminal of substring 1702A, the positive terminal of substring 1702D, the positive terminal of substring 1702C, and the negative terminal of substring 1702B are all in close proximity to longitudinal midline 1730 (e.g., longitudinal midline 1730 some) on either side of the . Junction box 1742 may be disposed proximate longitudinal midline 1730 . As such, negative conductor 1714 A may be connected to the negative terminal of substring 1702 A and routed into junction box 1742 proximate longitudinal midline 1730 . A positive conductor 1716 A may be connected to the positive terminal of substring 1702 D and routed into junction box 1742 proximate longitudinal midline 1730 . A positive conductor 1716B may be connected to the positive terminal of substring 1702C and routed into junction box 1742 proximate longitudinal midline 1730 . Negative conductor 1714B may be connected to the negative terminal of substring 1702B and routed into junction box 1742 proximate longitudinal midline 1730 . The remaining electrical connections (eg, negative conductor 1714A to negative conductor 1714B, positive conductor 1716A to positive conductor 1716B) are accomplished within junction box 1742 to achieve the desired TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array 1710. obtain.

One or more active and/or passive electrical and/or power components may be included with roof tile PV cell array 1710 at and/or within junction box 1742 . For example, one or more diodes (eg, bypass diodes and/or blocking diodes) may be included in junction box 1742 . Bypass diodes may be included to allow bypassing of one or more substrings in the event of a mismatch condition and to prevent current flow back into one or more substrings 1702 and/or PV cell array 1710. Blocking diodes may be included. Additionally or alternatively, junction box 1742 for active power electronics, such as power optimizers, microinverters, MPPTs, DC-DC converters, etc., to variously affect the power produced by roof tile PV cell array 1710 . can be included in Following electrical connections at junction box 1742 and optional addition of passive and/or active electronics, roof tile PV cell array 1710 is electrically terminated at a positive roof tile PV cell array terminal and a negative roof tile PV cell array terminal. can. Positive and negative roof tile PV cell array terminals may utilize power produced by the roof tile PV cell array. A positive roof tile PV module lead and a negative roof tile PV module lead may be incorporated into and extend from junction box 1742 . Positive and negative roof tile PV module leads may be electrically connected to positive and negative roof tile PV cell array terminals, respectively. This allows power generated by the roof tile PV cell array 1710 to be utilized at the positive and negative roof tile PV module leads. PV module leads connect subsequent components (e.g., PV modules, active electronics, passive electronics, grids, batteries, etc.) to the power produced by the roof tile PV cell array 1710 and roof tile PV modules 1700 to A connector (eg, an MC4 connector) may be included to utilize and/or act upon.

The above description illustrates the substrings 1702A-1702D of FIG. 17 along with their relative positions based on the orientation of the PV cell array as illustrated in FIG. However, it should be understood that the orientation of roof tile PV cell array 1710 and roof tile PV module 1700 in FIG. 17 may vary. For example, when installed, the roof tile PV cell modules 1700 of FIG. 17 can be rotated, eg, 90°, 180°, 270°, and so on. Assuming an example where PV cell module 1700 of FIG. 17 is rotated 180°, substring 1702B can be considered to be disposed at the first row, first column position. However, the relative position of each of the substring terminals need not change to allow for the same electrical interconnection scheme. Additionally, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may be similarly implemented if the arrangement of each substring 1702A-1702D is rotated 180°. Therefore, the terminals of the roof tile PV cell array are:

のように配設され得る。

can be arranged as

Junction box 1742 is positioned proximate the roof tile PV cell array transverse midline 1732 (i.e., between two substring rows) and proximate vertical midline 1730 (i.e., two substring rows). are shown disposed between string rows). Junction box 1742 may be connected to the front side of roof tile PV module 1700 (eg, on its non-conductive surface) or the back side of roof tile PV module 1700 . It should be appreciated that the junction box 1742 can be moved differently according to aspects. For example, junction box 1742 may be located anywhere near longitudinal midline 1730 . Additionally, roof tile PV module 1700 and roof tile PV cell array 1710 are illustrated in FIG. 17 as including one junction box 1742 in which both positive and negative connections can be completed. However, according to aspects, roof tile PV module 1700 and roof tile PV cell array 1710 may include two junction boxes (eg, a positive junction box and a negative junction box) in which positive and negative connections, respectively, may be implemented.

As described herein, aspects of the present disclosure can be used with full PV cells, any size PV cells or any size, or any

カットＰＶセルを用いて実施され得、ここで、Ｎは整数である。フルＰＶセルを

It can be implemented using cut PV cells, where N is an integer. full PV cell

サイズに切断して、

cut to size,

カットＰＶセルをもたらし得る。記載のように、

It can result in cut PV cells. As stated,

カットＰＶセルは、

The cut PV cell is

カットＰＶセルが切断されたＰＶセルの電位特性と実質的に同様の電位特性を生み出し得る。一方、

A cut PV cell may produce potential characteristics substantially similar to those of a cut PV cell. on the other hand,

カットＰＶセルは、同じ状態（例えば、同じ照射照度状態、環境状態、試験状態など）下で、

Under the same conditions (e.g., same illumination conditions, environmental conditions, test conditions, etc.), the cut PV cells

カットＰＶセルが切断されたフルＰＶセルとしての実質的に

A cut PV cell is effectively a cut full PV cell

倍の電流生産を生み出し得る。

It can produce twice the current production.

The roof tile PV cell array 1710 of FIG. 17 is illustrated as including eight PV cells 1708 per substring 1702, where the PV cells 1708 of the substring 1702 are:

カットＰＶセルとして図示されている。本開示の態様によれば、サブストリング１７０２（すなわち、１７０２Ａ～１７０２Ｄ）は、サブストリング当たり任意の数のＰＶセル１７０８を含み得る。加えて、サブストリング１７０２のＰＶセル１７０８は、任意の

It is shown as a cut PV cell. According to aspects of this disclosure, substrings 1702 (ie, 1702A-1702D) may include any number of PV cells 1708 per substring. In addition, PV cells 1708 of substring 1702 can be any

カットＰＶセル（フルＰＶセルを含む）であり得ることが企図される。

It is contemplated that it may be a cut PV cell (including full PV cells).

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 1601 for implementing the exemplary roof tile PV cell array of FIG. As such, substrings 1802A-1802D of FIG. 18 may be understood as corresponding to substrings 1702A-1702D of FIG. 17, respectively. Additionally, the conductive traces of FIG. 18 may be understood as corresponding to the conductors of FIG. As such, conductive traces 1836, 1814A, 1814B, 1816A, and 1816B of FIG. 18 may be understood as corresponding to conductors 1736, 1714A, 1714B, 1716A, and 1716B of FIG. 17, respectively. As such, it will be appreciated that the mounting of rear contact PV cells on a conductive backsheet 1801 can provide the roof tile PV cell array 1700 of FIG. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the topology of FIG. 17 can be achieved in various ways (eg, using ribbon wires and/or using a conductive backsheet). Midpoint conductors 1736 and midpoint traces 1836 may add increased parallelism (eg, TCT connections) to roof tile PV cell array 1710 of FIG. Midpoint conductor 1736 and conductive trace 1836 may be primarily conductive in case of misalignment (eg, when a portion of roof tile PV cell array 1710 is shaded). As such, midpoint conductors 1736 and conductive traces 1836 may be substantially reduced compared to other conductors of roof tile PV cell array 1710 and/or conductive traces of conductive backsheet 1801 . For example, conductive trace 1836 may be narrower and/or thinner than some or all of conductive traces 1814A, 1814B, 1816A, and 1816B. The same may apply to all midpoint conductors and corresponding conductive traces of this disclosure.

FIG. 19A illustrates an exemplary roof tile PV cell array topology of the 2×2 TCT and spatially distributed roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A and PV modules of FIGS. 14A and 14B, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The electrical schematic of FIG. 14A with the spatial distribution of FIG. 14B can be achieved in various ways. Referring to FIG. 19A, roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A may include four substrings: substring 1902A, substring 1902B, substring 1902C, and substring 1902D (generally substring 1902). Substrings 1902 may be arranged in a 2×2 array of substrings (2 rows (“rows” in FIG. 19A)×2 columns (“columns” in FIG. 19A). Each of substrings 1902A-1902D may include a 2×3 array of PV cells (2 rows (“CR” in FIG. 19A)×3 columns (“cell col” in FIG. 19A)).PV cells 1908 in each column of each substring 1902A-1902D. may be electrically connected in series with each other and the columns of each substring 1902A-1902D may be electrically connected in parallel with each other.Substrings 1902A-1902D are for illustrative purposes only two rows and three columns. 19A as including a substring 1902. As such, substrings 1902A-1902D may include any number of rows of PV cells 1908 and any number of columns of PV cells per substring 1902. For clarity, only one PV cell 1908 per substring 1902 is shown by reference number, but each PV cell 1908 (six PV cells 1908 are shown per substring 1902 in FIG. 19A). should be considered substantially the same as each other.

Substrings 1902A-1902D can be arranged relative to each other such that TCT and spatially distributed topologies with junction boxes close to the longitudinal midline 1930 can be achieved while reducing production complexity. For example, the positive and negative substring terminals can be arranged differently such that conductor crossing on the roof tile PV module 1900 outside the junction box 1942 can be reduced. Roof tile PV module 1900 may include junction box 1942 . Junction boxes 1942 may likewise be strategically placed to achieve the desired electrical interconnections and spatial distribution. Conductor crossings inside the junction box 1942 may be cheaper and less complex than conductor crossings on the roof tile PV module 1900 outside the junction box 1942 .

19A, roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A (and roof tile PV module 1900) is defined by two opposing long sides 1950 (first long reference side 1950A and second long reference side 1950B). and a short portion defined by two opposing short sides 1948 (a first short reference side 1948A and a second short reference side 1948B). The PV cell arrays of FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 17 can be considered horizontal roof tile PV cell arrays, whereas the roof tile PV cell array of FIG. 19A connects each substring 1902 (1902A-1902D) in series. Because the stacked PV cells 1908 may extend vertically (ie, extend parallel to the longitudinal midline 1930), they may be considered a vertical PV cell array. Substrings 1902A-1902D are arranged in two rows of two substrings (each row extending along the long dimension) and two columns of two substrings (each column extending along the short dimension). extending). A junction box 1942 may be disposed proximate the longitudinal midline (eg, between two columns).

Substring 1902A may be disposed in row 1, column 1 of roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A. A substring 1902A may include a column of PV cells 1908 electrically connected in series. The positive terminal of each column of substrings 1902A (ie, the positive terminal of substring 1902A) may be disposed proximate to first long reference side 1950A of PV cell array 1910. FIG. Each row of substrings 1902A may extend from a first long reference side 1950A toward a second long reference side 1950B (and transverse midline 1932) such that each row of substrings 1902A The negative terminal (ie, the negative terminal of substring 1902A) may be disposed proximate to the transverse midline 1932 of the PV cell array. Substring 1902D may be disposed in row 1, column 2 of roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A. Substring 1902D may include a column of PV cells 1908 electrically connected in series. A negative terminal of each column of substrings 1902D (ie, negative terminals of substrings 1902D) may be disposed proximate to first long reference side 1950A of PV cell array 1910. FIG. Each column of substrings 1902D extends from a first long reference side 1950A toward a second long reference side 1950B (and transverse midline 1932), so that each column of substrings 1902D has a correct The terminal (ie, the positive terminal of substring 1902D) may be disposed proximate to the transverse midline 1930 of PV cell array 1910. FIG.

Substring 1902C may be disposed in row 2, column 1 of roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A. A substring 1902C may include a column of PV cells 1908 electrically connected in series. The positive terminal of each column of substrings 1902C (ie, the positive terminal of the substrings 1902C) may be disposed proximate to the transverse midline 1932 of the PV cell array 1910. FIG. Since each column of substrings 1902C extends from transverse midline 1932 toward second long reference side 1950B, the negative terminal of each column of substrings 1902C (i.e., the negative terminal of substring 1902C). may be disposed proximate to the second long reference side 1950B of the PV cell array. Substring 1902B may be disposed in row 2, column 2 of roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A. Substring 1902B may include a column of PV cells 1908 electrically connected in series. The negative terminal of each column of substrings 1902B (ie, the negative terminal of substring 1902B) may be disposed proximate to the lateral midline of PV cell array 1910 . Since each column of substrings 1902B extends from the lateral midline toward the second long reference side 1950B, the positive terminal of each column of substrings 1902B (i.e., the positive terminal of substrings 1902B) is It may be disposed proximate to the second long reference side 1950B of PV cell array 1910 . The substring terminals within vertical PV cell array 1910A are:

のようにルーフタイル垂直ＰＶセルアレイ１９１０Ａ内に配列されると見なされ得る。

can be considered to be arranged in the roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A as follows.

The arrangement of substring terminals as described above may reduce the complexity of the electrical connections of the TCT spatially distributed roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A. For example, TCT spatially distributed roof tile PV cell array electrical connections can be achieved without conductor crossings on the roof tile PV module 1900 (outside the junction box 1942). FIG. 19A illustrates exemplary routing of conductors (eg, ribbon wires and/or conductive traces of a conductive backsheet) that can be achieved on a roof tile PV module 1900. FIG. The conductors in FIG. 19A are shown as paths (some patterned). Referring to FIG. 19A, the negative terminal of substring 1902A can be disposed proximate to the positive terminal of substring 1902C. These terminals may be disposed proximate the transverse midline 1932 of the roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A. Additionally, the positive terminal of substring 1902D may be disposed proximate to the negative terminal of substring 1902B. These terminals may also be disposed proximate the transverse midline 1932 of the roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A. A midpoint conductor 1936 (eg, a ribbon wire and/or a conductive trace of a conductive backsheet) can be electrically connected to the negative terminal of substring 1902A and the positive terminal of substring 1902C. Additionally, midpoint conductor 1936 may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of substring 1902D and the negative terminal of substring 1902B. A portion of midpoint conductor 1936 connecting substrings 1902A-1902C may be on the side of junction box 1942 or outside junction box 1942 (eg, on a module) to midpoint conductor connecting substrings 1902D and 1902B. 1936. Midpoint conductor 1936 provides TCT connections by facilitating series connection of substring 1902A to substring 1902C, series connection of substrings 1902B-1902D, parallel connection of 1902A-1902B, and parallel connection of 1902C-1902D. can help you achieve

Junction box 1942 may be disposed proximate to longitudinal midline 1930 of PV cell array 1910A. Additionally, according to aspects, the junction box 1942 may be disposed proximate to the transverse midline 1932 of the PV cell array 1910A. The positive terminal of substring 1902A and the negative terminal of substring 1902D may be disposed proximate to first long reference side 1950A of PV cell array 1910A. As such, positive conductor 1916A may be connected to the positive terminal of the column of substrings 1902A (ie, the positive terminal of substring 1902A) and routed into junction box 1942 proximate to the longitudinal midline. Similarly, negative conductor 1914A may be connected to the negative terminal of the column of substrings 1902D (i.e., the negative terminal of substring 1902D) and routed into junction box 1942 proximate the longitudinal midline. . The positive terminal of substring 1902B and the negative terminal of substring 1902C may be disposed proximate to second long reference side 1950B of PV cell array 1910A. As such, positive conductor 1916B may be connected to the positive terminal of the column of substrings 1902B (ie, the positive terminal of substring 1902B) and routed into junction box 1942 proximate the longitudinal midline. Similarly, negative conductor 1914B may be connected to the negative terminal of the column of substrings 1902C (i.e., the negative terminal of substring 1902C) and routed into junction box 1942 proximate the longitudinal midline. . The remaining electrical connections (eg, negative conductor 1914A to negative conductor 1914B, positive conductor 1916A to positive conductor 1916B) are accomplished within junction box 1942 to achieve the desired TCT spatially distributed roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A. can be

One or more active and/or passive electrical and/or power components may be added to the roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A at the junction box. For example, one or more diodes (eg, bypass diodes and/or blocking diodes) may be included in junction box 1942 . Bypass diodes may be included to allow bypassing of one or more substrings in the event of a mismatch condition, and blocking diodes may be included to provide excess power to one or more of substrings 1902 and/or PV cell array 1910A. It can prevent reverse current flow. Additionally or alternatively, junction box 1942 for active power electronics, such as power optimizers, microinverters, MPPTs, DC-DC converters, etc., to affect the power produced by roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A. can be included in Following electrical connections at junction box 1942 and optional addition of passive and/or active electronics, roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A is electrically connected at the positive roof tile PV cell array terminal and the negative roof tile PV cell array terminal. can be terminated. Positive and negative roof tile PV cell array terminals may utilize power produced by the roof tile PV cell array. A positive roof tile PV module lead and a negative roof tile PV module lead may be incorporated into and extend from junction box 1942 . Positive and negative roof tile PV module leads may be electrically connected to positive and negative roof tile PV cell array terminals, respectively. This allows power generated by roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A to be utilized at the positive and negative roof tile PV module leads. PV module leads connect subsequent components (e.g., PV modules, active electronics, passive electronics, grids, batteries, etc.) to the electrical power produced by roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A and roof tile PV modules 1900; A connector (eg, an MC4 connector) may be included to utilize and/or act upon.

The above description illustrates the substrings 1902A-1902D of FIG. 19A along with their relative positions based on the orientation of the PV cell array as illustrated in FIG. 19A. However, it should be understood that the orientation of roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A and roof tile PV module 1900 of FIG. 19A may vary. For example, when installed, the roof tile PV cell modules 1900 of FIG. 19A can be rotated, eg, 90°, 180°, 270°, and so on. Assuming an example where PV cell module 1900 of FIG. 19A is rotated 180°, substring 1902B can be considered to be disposed at the first row, first column position. However, the relative position of each of the substring terminals need not change to allow for the same electrical interconnection scheme. Additionally, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may be similarly implemented if the arrangement of each substring 1902A-1902D is rotated 180°. Therefore, the terminals of the roof tile PV cell array are:

のように配設され得る。

can be arranged as

Junction box 1942 is positioned proximate the roof tile PV cell array transverse midline 1932 (i.e., between two substring rows) and proximate the vertical midline 1930 (i.e., two substring rows). shown as being disposed between strings). It should be appreciated that the junction box 1942 can be moved differently according to aspects. For example, junction box 1942 may be located anywhere near longitudinal midline 1930 . Additionally, roof tile PV module 1900 and roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A are shown in FIG. 19A as including one junction box 1942 in which both positive and negative connections can be completed. However, according to aspects, roof tile PV module 1900 and roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A may include two junction boxes (eg, a positive junction box and a negative junction box) in which positive and negative connections, respectively, may be implemented.

As described herein, aspects of the present disclosure can be used with full PV cells, any size PV cells or any size, or any

カットＰＶセルを用いて実施され得、ここで、Ｎは整数である。フルＰＶセルを

It can be implemented using cut PV cells, where N is an integer. full PV cell

サイズに切断して、

cut to size,

カットＰＶセルをもたらし得る。記載のように、

It can result in cut PV cells. As stated,

カットＰＶセルは、

The cut PV cell is

カットＰＶセルが切断されたＰＶセルの電位特性と実質的に同様の電位特性を生み出し得る。一方、

A cut PV cell may produce potential characteristics substantially similar to those of a cut PV cell. on the other hand,

カットＰＶセルは、同じ状態（例えば、同じ照射照度状態、環境状態、試験状態など）下で、

Under the same conditions (e.g., same illumination conditions, environmental conditions, test conditions, etc.), the cut PV cells

カットＰＶセルが切断されたフルＰＶセルとしての実質的に

A cut PV cell is effectively a cut full PV cell

倍の電流生産を生み出し得る。

It can produce twice the current production.

Roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A of FIG. 19A is illustrated as including six PV cells 1908 per substring 1902, where PV cells 1908 of substring 1902 are:

カットＰＶセルとして図示されている。本開示の態様によれば、サブストリング１９０２（すなわち、１９０２Ａ～１９０２Ｄ）は、サブストリング当たり任意の数のＰＶセル１９０８を含み得る。加えて、サブストリング１９０２のＰＶセル１９０８は、任意の

It is shown as a cut PV cell. According to aspects of this disclosure, substrings 1902 (ie, 1902A-1902D) may include any number of PV cells 1908 per substring. In addition, PV cells 1908 of substring 1902 can be any

カットＰＶセル（フルＰＶセルを含む）であり得ることが企図される。加えて、サブストリング１９０２Ａ～１９０２Ｄは、２行及び３列のＰＶセルを含むものとして図示されている。サブストリング１９０２Ａ～１９０２Ｄは、ＰＶセル１９０８の任意の数の行及び任意の数の列を含み得ることが企図される。

It is contemplated that it may be a cut PV cell (including full PV cells). In addition, substrings 1902A-1902D are illustrated as including two rows and three columns of PV cells. It is contemplated that substrings 1902A-1902D may include any number of rows and any number of columns of PV cells 1908. FIG.

FIG. 19A illustrates an exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A in which each substring 1902A-1902D has six cells arranged in two rows and three columns.

カットＰＶセル１９０８を含む。しかしながら、態様によれば、垂直ルーフタイル垂直ＰＶセルアレイ１９１０Ａのサブストリング１９０２Ａ～１９０２ＤのＰＶセルは、様々に

A cut PV cell 1908 is included. However, according to aspects, the PV cells of substrings 1902A-1902D of vertical roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A are variously

カットされ得、様々に配列され得る。図１９Ｂは、本開示の１つ以上の態様による、例示的な垂直ルーフタイルＰＶセルアレイを図示する。図１９Ｂの垂直ルーフタイルＰＶセルアレイは、本明細書において特に明記しない限り、図１９Ａの垂直ルーフタイルＰＶセルアレイと実質的に同一であると見なされ得る。図１９Ｂを参照すると、サブストリング１９０２Ａ及び１９０２Ｂは各々、１２個の

It can be cut and arranged in various ways. FIG. 19B illustrates an exemplary vertical roof tile PV cell array, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. The vertical roof tile PV cell array of FIG. 19B may be considered substantially identical to the vertical roof tile PV cell array of FIG. 19A unless otherwise specified herein. Referring to FIG. 19B, substrings 1902A and 1902B each contain 12

カットＰＶセル１９０８を含み得る。ＰＶセル１９０８は、３行×４列のサブストリング１９０２Ａ～１９０２Ｄの各々に配列され得る。これにより、図１９Ａ及び図１９Ｂのトポロジは、簡素化されたＴＣＴ空間的分散ルーフタイル垂直ＰＶセルアレイ１９１０Ａを維持しながら、変化する動作点（例えば、変化するＶ_ｏｃ、Ｉ_ｓｃ、Ｖ_ｍｐ、Ｉ_ｍｐなど）を生み出すように、様々に構成され得ることが理解され得る。

A cut PV cell 1908 may be included. PV cells 1908 may be arranged in each of 3 rows by 4 columns of substrings 1902A-1902D. This allows the topology of FIGS. 19A and 19B to maintain a simplified TCT spatially distributed roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A while maintaining varying operating points (e.g., varying V _oc , I _sc , V _mp , I _mp , etc.).

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate an exemplary TCT spatially distributed roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910 with a junction box 1942 disposed proximate to the vertical midline of the roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910 . Depending on the mounting considerations of the final roof tile PV module 1900 (e.g., considerations when mounting the roof tile PV module 1900 on the roof), the junction boxes 1942 are advantageously arranged differently. obtain. FIG. 19C illustrates an exemplary TCT spatially distributed roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910C with an exemplary junction box 1942 disposed proximate to the PV cell array 1910 side. Referring to FIG. 19C, according to aspects, a junction box 1942 may be disposed proximate to a short side (eg, first short reference side 1948A and/or second short reference side 1948B). As such, the roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910B may be considered substantially identical to the roof tile PV cell array unless explicitly stated otherwise herein.

Advantages of the configuration of FIG. 19C may be achieved by routing the conductors of the roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910B differently. Referring to FIG. 19C, positive conductor 1916A, electrically connected to the positive terminal of substring 1902A, is routed proximate first long reference side 1950A toward first short reference side 1948A. , may be routed into junction box 1942 proximate first short reference edge 1948A. Negative conductor 1914A, electrically connected to the negative terminal of substring 1902D, extends along roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910B to first short reference side 1948A proximate first long reference side 1950A. The negative conductor 1914A can then be routed into the junction box 1942 proximate to the first short reference side 1948A. Negative conductor 1914B, electrically connected to the negative terminal of substring 1902C, is routed proximate to second long reference side 1950A toward first short reference side 1948A and extends to the first short reference side 1948A. It may be routed into junction box 1942 proximate reference edge 1948A. A positive conductor 1916B electrically connected to the positive terminal of substring 1902B extends along roof tile PV cell array 1910 toward first short reference side 1948A and adjacent second long reference side 1950B. can be routed. Positive conductor 1916B may then be routed into junction box 1942 proximate first short reference side 1948A. Junction box 1942 may alternatively be disposed proximate second short reference side 1948B, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. As such, one or more advantages of the present disclosure include roof tile vertical PV cell arrays 1910B and side-disposed junction boxes 1942 (e.g., proximate first short reference edge 1948A, or on second proximate short reference side 1948B).

FIG. 19D illustrates an exemplary TCT spatially distributed roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910D with two junction boxes 1942A and 1942B (generally junction box 1942). 19A-19D illustrate roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910 and roof tile vertical PV module 1900 as including one junction box 1942 in which positive and negative (and midpoint) electrical connections can be implemented. According to aspects, such a PV cell array includes two junction boxes, for example, a junction box with a positive connection and a junction box with a negative connection, or both junction boxes 1942A and 1942B with both positive and negative connections. It is contemplated that it may include Additionally, such multiple junction boxes may be disposed proximate to a single line (e.g., both junction boxes along the longitudinal midline, the first short reference edge 1948A, or the first short reference edge 1948A). 2 short reference side 1948B). Alternatively, each of the plurality of junction boxes may be disposed proximate a different line (eg, one junction box disposed proximate the first short reference edge 1948A and the second junction box 1948A). junction box is disposed proximate to the second short reference side).

FIG. 19E illustrates a system of connected roof tile PV modules of the present disclosure. Certain advantages of PV modules with two junction boxes can be understood with reference to FIG. 19E. In PV module arrays in general, and roof tile PV module arrays in particular, the PV modules may be mounted in multiple rows, and all (or a portion) of the PV modules in the array may be electrically connected in series. Electrical connections may come around corners when transitioning between rows. Two junction boxes 1942A (“JB1” in FIG. 19E) and 1942B (“JB2” in FIG. 19E) (both of which may utilize both positive and negative buses), one on each side of PV module 1900D. By use, the electrical connections of the roof tile PV module array can be simplified and the efficiency of the array can be improved.

Referring to FIG. 19E, each PV module 1900D (only one PV module 1900D per row is referenced for clarity of illustration) connects to PV modules 1900D above, below and/or modules in adjacent rows. can be Each PV module 1900D in the same row can be connected to other modules in the same row using the same side junction box. For example, each PV module 1900D in column 2 can be electrically connected to each other (eg, in series) using the second junction box (“JB2” in FIG. 19E) of each PV module. Column 1 may be to the left of column 2 and column 3 may be to the right of column 2. Thus, if column 2 connects to column 1 (eg, the left column), the left junction box 1942 (eg, JB1 in FIG. 19E) of the transitioning PV module 1900D of column 2 connects to It may be near (eg, adjacent to) and connect to the junction box (eg, JB2 in FIG. 19E) on the right side of PV module 1900D. Further, if column 2 connects to column 3 (eg, the right column), the right junction box 1942 (eg, JB2 in FIG. 19E) of the transitioning PV module 1900D of column 2 is It may be near (eg, adjacent to) and connect to the left junction box (eg, JB1 in FIG. 19E) of PV module 1900D. As such, electrical connections for turning corners (eg, transitioning between rows) can be simplified. Assuming all PV modules 1900D have two junction boxes, the series connection of each column can go to either side of PV module 1900D. Alternatively, only the transitional module may have two junction boxes and the non-transitional PV module 1900D may have only one junction box 1942 . As will be appreciated, the advantages of such a two junction box PV module can be implemented with any of the PV modules and/or PV arrays of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated from FIG. 19E that either or both of the two junction boxes may be used depending on the desired connection. Additionally, junction boxes can be associated with increased production costs. Junction box 1942 can thus be produced as a junction box base and cover. The junction box base may simply include positive and negative terminals to harness the power produced by PV module 1900D. A junction box cover may be applied to the junction box base. Different junction box covers may be applied for different uses. For example, one cover can be a dummy cover (eg, a simple plastic cover) that can be installed for unused junction box bases. Another junction box cover may, for example, comprise a junction box with circuitry and/or electrical connections to complete the connections (if necessary) of the PV cell array of PV module 1900D. Such a junction box cover may additionally or alternatively include junction box leads that harness the power produced by the PV module 1900D (eg, connect to other PV modules 1900D). Additionally or alternatively, the junction box cover may include active and/or passive electronics (eg PE3202). Junction box covers may be produced specifically for different PV modules 1900D (eg, with different electronics and/or connections for different PV array topologies).

FIG. 20A illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 2001A that can implement the exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array of FIG. 19A. As such, substrings 2002A-2002D of FIG. 20A may be understood as corresponding to substrings 1902A-1902D of FIG. 19A, respectively. Additionally, the conductive traces of FIG. 20A can be understood as corresponding to the conductors of FIG. 19A. As such, conductive traces 2036, 2014A, 2014B, 2016A, and 2016B of FIG. 20A may be understood as corresponding to conductors 1936, 1914A, 1914B, 1916A, and 1916B, respectively, of FIG. 19A. As such, it will be appreciated that the mounting of rear contact PV cells on a conductive backsheet 2001A can provide the roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910A of FIG. 19A. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the topology of FIG. 19A can be variously implemented (eg, ribbon wire connections, conductive backsheet connections).

Still referring to FIG. 20A, it can be seen that the PV cells of each row of each of substrings 2002A-2002D can be electrically connected in parallel with each other using a conductive backsheet 2001A. These connections may be obtained by not cutting (or otherwise separating) the conductive backsheet between adjacent rows of substrings. Further, the PV cells of each column of each substring 2002A-2002D may be electrically connected together in series. Thus, the PV cells in each of substrings 2002A-2002D connected by conductive backsheet 2001A are considered to be electrically connected in series-parallel (ie, TCT-connected) with all cross-couplings. obtain. Such connections may further parallelize roof tile vertical PV cell arrays and allow for increased mitigation of mismatch conditions.

FIG. 20B illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 2001B that can implement the exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array of FIG. 19B. As such, substrings 2002A-2002D of FIG. 20B may be understood as corresponding to substrings 1902A-1902D of FIG. 19B, respectively. Additionally, the conductive traces of FIG. 20B can be understood as corresponding to the conductors of FIG. 19B. As such, conductive traces 2036, 2014A, 2014B, 2016A, and 2016B of FIG. 20B may be understood as corresponding to conductors 1936, 1914A, 1914B, 1916A, and 1916B, respectively, of FIG. 19B. As such, it will be appreciated that the mounting of rear-contact PV cells onto conductive backsheet 2001B can provide roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910B of FIG. 19B. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the topology of FIG. 19B can be variously implemented (eg, ribbon wire connections, conductive backsheet connections).

Still referring to FIG. 20B, it can be seen that using a conductive backsheet 2001B, the PV cells of each row of each substring 2002A-2002D can be electrically connected in parallel with each other. These connections may be obtained by not cutting (or otherwise separating) the conductive backsheet between adjacent rows of substrings. Further, the PV cells of each column of each substring 2002A-2002D may be electrically connected together in series. Thus, the PV cells in each of substrings 2002A-2002D connected by conductive backsheet 2001B are considered to be electrically connected in series-parallel (ie, TCT-connected) with all cross-couplings. obtain. Such connections may further parallelize roof tile vertical PV cell arrays and allow for increased mitigation of mismatch conditions.

FIG. 20C illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 2001C that can implement the exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array of FIG. 19C. As such, substrings 2002A-2002D of FIG. 20C may be understood as corresponding to substrings 1902A-1902D of FIG. 19C, respectively. Additionally, the conductive traces of FIG. 20C can be understood as corresponding to the conductors of FIG. 19C. As such, conductive traces 2036, 2014A, 2014B, 2016A, and 2016B of FIG. 20C may be understood as corresponding to conductors 1936, 1914A, 1914B, 1916A, and 1916B, respectively, of FIG. 19C. As such, it will be appreciated that the mounting of rear contact PV cells on a conductive backsheet 2001C can provide the roof tile vertical PV cell array 1910C of FIG. 19C. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the topology of FIG. 19C can be variously implemented (eg, ribbon wire connections, conductive backsheet connections).

Still referring to FIG. 20C, it can be seen that the conductive backsheet 2001C allows the PV cells of each row of each of the substrings 2002A-2002D to be electrically connected in parallel with each other. These connections may be obtained by not cutting (or otherwise separating) the conductive backsheet between adjacent rows of substrings. Further, the PV cells of each column of each of substrings 2002A-2002D may be electrically connected together in series. Thus, the PV cells in each of substrings 2002A-2002D connected by conductive backsheet 2001C are considered to be electrically series-parallel connected (ie, TCT connected) with all cross-couplings. obtain. Such connections may further parallelize roof tile vertical PV cell arrays and allow for increased mitigation of mismatch conditions.

Midpoint conductors 1936 in FIGS. 19A-19C correspond to conductive traces 2036 in FIGS. 20A-20C, respectively. Midpoint conductors 1936 of FIGS. 19A-19C and midpoint traces 2036 of FIGS. Midpoint conductor 1936 and conductive trace 2036 may be primarily conductive in case of misalignment (eg, when a portion of roof tile PV cell array 1910 is shaded). As such, midpoint conductors 1936 and conductive traces 2036 may be substantially reduced compared to other conductors of roof tile PV cell array 1910 and/or conductive traces of conductive backsheet 2001 . For example, conductive trace 2036 may be narrower and/or thinner than some or all of conductive traces 2014A, 2014B, 2016A, and 2016B. The same may apply to all midpoint conductors and corresponding conductive traces of this disclosure.

Similar to the above, aspects of the present disclosure relate to fully parallel roof tile PV cell arrays and PV module topologies and improved manufacturability thereof. FIG. 21A illustrates an exemplary electrical schematic of a 1×8 fully parallel roof tile PV cell array, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 21A, a 1×8 fully parallel roof tile PV cell array may include substrings 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 2102D, 2102E, 2102F, 2102G, and 2102H (generally referred to as substrings 2102). Substrings illustrated in the same pattern may be electrically connected in parallel with each other. As such, substrings 2102A-2102H may be electrically connected in parallel with each other as a fully parallel roof tile PV cell array. FIG. 21B illustrates an exemplary physical arrangement of the fully parallel PV cell array of FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22A illustrates an exemplary fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210A and an exemplary fully parallel roof tile PV module 2200A. Referring to FIG. 22A, a fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210A may include substrings 2202A-2202H (generally referred to as substrings 2202). Substrings 2202A-2202H may be arranged in a single row of a substring column. A fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210A is shown with eight columns (and one substring 2202 per column). A fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210A may include any number of substrings 2202 (and any number of columns). Each of substrings 2202A-2202H may include a number of PV cells 2204 connected in series. Substrings 2202A-2202H are six

カットＰＶセル２２０４を含むものとして図示されている。サブストリング２２０２Ａ～２２０２Ｈは、任意の数の任意の

It is shown to include cut PV cells 2204 . Substrings 2202A-2202H can be any number of any

カット（全体を含む）ＰＶセルを含み得る。

It may include cut (including whole) PV cells.

A fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210A (and a fully parallel roof tile PV module 2200A) may be quadrilateral in shape, and the quadrilateral shape may have a long dimension and a short dimension. A rectangular shaped fully parallel roof tile PV cell array may comprise a first long reference side 2250A and a second long reference side 2250B. In addition, the rectangular shaped fully parallel PV cell array 2210A may comprise a first short reference side 2248A and a second short reference side 2248B. A row of substrings 2202A-2202H may extend from a first short reference side 2248A to a second short reference side 2248B. Each of substrings 2202A-2202H (ie, each column) may extend from a first long reference side 2250A to a second long reference side 2250B. As such, substring 2202 may be considered to extend vertically. Substring 2202 may terminate at two terminals, a positive terminal and a negative terminal. As such, one terminal of each substring 2022 may be disposed proximate one long side 2250 and another terminal of each substring 2202 may be disposed proximate another long side 2250 .

With continued reference to FIG. 22A, the positive terminal of each of substrings 2202A-2202H may be disposed proximate first long reference side 2250A. A positive conductor 2216 (eg, a ribbon wire, a conductive region of a conductive backsheet) can be electrically connected to each positive terminal of substrings 2202 . As such, the positive conductor 2216 may be disposed proximate to the first long reference side 2250A. Similarly, the negative terminal of each of substrings 2202A-2202H may be disposed proximate to second long reference side 2250B. Negative conductors 2214 (eg, ribbon wires, conductive regions of a conductive backsheet) can be electrically connected to respective negative terminals of substrings 2202 . As such, the negative conductor 2214 may be disposed proximate to the second long reference side 2250B. As will be appreciated, the described topology and electrical connection of the fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210A is a simplified electrical parallel connection of all substrings 2202 (e.g., according to the exemplary schematic diagram of FIG. 8). ).

Fully parallel roof tile PV modules 2200A and fully parallel roof tile PV cell arrays may further comprise junction boxes 2242 . Junction box 2242 may function substantially similar to other junction boxes described herein. Junction box 2242 may be disposed proximate first short reference side 2248A. As such, positive conductor 2216 and negative conductor 2214 may simply be routed into junction box 2242 from first long reference side 2250A and second long reference side 2250B, respectively. As such, any additional required electrical connections may be implemented within junction box 2242, and power generated by fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210A may be utilized at the positive and negative module terminals. A positive lead and a negative lead can be electrically connected to the positive module terminal and the negative module terminal, respectively. As such, the power generated by the fully parallel roof tile PV modules 2200A and the fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210A is transferred from the positive and negative leads to the load (e.g., batteries, additional PV modules, arrays of PV modules, utility grid). can be used for Additionally, as described herein, passive and/or active electronics (e.g., power electronics) may be placed between the PV module positive terminal and the PV module negative terminal, and/or between the PV module positive lead and the PV module lead. It can be connected between the negative lead. Such electronics can affect and/or affect the power production of fully parallel roof tile PV modules in different ways.

FIG. 22A shows the positive terminal of each substring 2202 arranged proximate a first long reference side 2250A and the negative terminal of each substring 2202 disposed proximate a second long reference side 2250B. A substring 2202 arranged as follows. As such, FIG. 22A illustrates a positive conductor disposed proximate to the first long reference side 2250A and a negative conductor disposed proximate to the second long reference side 2250B. It will be appreciated that this arrangement may be reversed (ie, negative conductor 2214 is proximate first long reference side 2250A, etc.). In addition, FIG. 22A illustrates junction box 2242 as being disposed proximate first short reference side 2248A. It will be appreciated that junction box 2242 may similarly be disposed proximate second short reference side 2248B. FIG. 22A illustrates junction box 2242 as being disposed proximate transverse midline 2032 . It should be appreciated that junction box 2242 may be disposed at any location along the short length of fully parallel roof tile PV cell module 2200A.

FIG. 22A illustrates an exemplary topology of an exemplary fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210A including vertical substrings (ie, substrings extending vertically in the exemplary orientation of FIG. 22A). Exemplary topologies of PV cell arrays may additionally or alternatively include horizontal substrings. For example, considering the problem of partial shading in a particular roof tile PV module installation, horizontal substrings may be arranged differently to operate more efficiently depending on the shading problem (e.g., the shading pattern of a particular installation). can be preferred over vertical substrings because FIG. 22B illustrates another example topology of an example fully parallel roof tile PV module 2200B and an example fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210B. Referring to FIG. 22B, a fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210B may comprise substrings 2202BA-2202BH (generally referred to as substrings 2202B). The substrings 2202BA-2202BH may be arranged in rows of columns within the fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210B and on the fully parallel roof tile PV modules 2200B. Substrings 2202B may be arranged in two rows and four columns each. Each substring may include a number of electrically series-connected PV cells. Substrings 2202BA-2202BH are six

カットＰＶセル２２０４を含むものとして図示されている。サブストリング２２０２Ａ～２２０２Ｈは、任意の数の任意の

It is shown to include cut PV cells 2204 . Substrings 2202A-2202H can be any number of any

カット（全体を含む）ＰＶセルを含み得る。完全並列ＰＶセルアレイ２２１０Ｂは、２行４列を含むものとして図示されているが、完全並列ＰＶセルアレイ２２１０Ｂは、任意の数の行及び列を含み得る。

It may include cut (including whole) PV cells. Although fully parallel PV cell array 2210B is illustrated as including 2 rows and 4 columns, fully parallel PV cell array 2210B may include any number of rows and columns.

A fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210A (and a fully parallel roof tile PV module 2200A) may be rectangular in shape with a long dimension and a short dimension. A rectangular shaped fully parallel roof tile PV cell array may comprise a first long reference side 2250A and a second long reference side 2250B. In addition, the rectangular shaped fully parallel PV cell array 2210A may comprise a first short reference side 2248A and a second short reference side 2248B. Each row of substrings (eg, the first row of substrings 2202BA-2202BD and the second row of substrings 2202BE-2202BH) extends along the long dimension from the first short reference edge 2248A to the second row. to the short reference side 2248B of the . Substrings 2202BA-2202BH may be horizontal substrings. As such, each substring 2202B may extend along a portion of the long dimension (i.e., each substring 2202B extends from the beginning of the first side of the column to the can extend horizontally across the width of

Substring 2202BA may be disposed at row 1 column 1 . Substring 2202BA may extend horizontally from a first side of column 1 to a second side of column 1 . As such, the negative terminal of substring 2202BA may be disposed proximate a first side of row 1 column 1 and the positive terminal of substring 2202BA may be proximate a second side of row 1 column 1. can be arranged Substring 2202BB may be disposed at row 1 column 2 . Substring 2202BB may extend horizontally from the first side of column two to the second side of column two. As such, the negative terminal of substring 2202BB may be disposed proximate a first side of row 1 column 2 and the positive terminal of substring 2202BB may be proximate a second side of row 1 column 2. can be arranged Substring 2202BC may be disposed at row 1 column 3 . Substring 2202BC may extend horizontally from the first side of column three to the second side of column three. As such, the negative terminal of substring 2202BC may be disposed proximate a first side of row 1 column 3 and the positive terminal of substring 2202BA may be proximate a second side of row 1 column 3. can be arranged Substring 2202BD may be disposed at row 1 column 4 . Substring 2202BD may extend horizontally from the first side of column 4 to the second side of column 4 . As such, the negative terminal of substring 2202BD may be disposed proximate a first side of row 1 column 4 and the positive terminal of substring 2202BD may be proximate a second side of row 1 column 1. can be arranged Row 2 substrings (ie, substrings 2202BE-2202BH) may extend substantially the same as described above with respect to row 1 substring 2202B.

As such, the negative terminals of substrings 2202BA and 2202BE (of the first column) are disposed proximate the first side of column 1 (ie proximate the first short reference side 2248A). Thus, the positive terminals of substrings 2202BA and 2202BE may be disposed proximate the second side of column one. The negative terminals of substrings 2202BB and 2202BF (of column 2) may be disposed proximate to the first side of column 2, and the positive terminals of substrings 2202BB and 2202BF may be located on the second side of column 2. can be disposed in close proximity to the The negative terminals of substrings 2202BC and 2202BG (of column 3) may be disposed proximate to the first side of column 3, and the positive terminals of substrings 2202BB and 2202BF may be located on the second side of column 3. can be disposed in close proximity to the The negative terminals of substrings 2202BD and 2202BH (of row 4) may be disposed proximate to the first side of row 4, and the positive terminals of substrings 2202BD and 2202BH may be located on the second side of row 4. can be disposed in close proximity to the So the terminals of substring 2202B are:

のように配列され得る。

can be arranged as

All of the substrings 2202BA-2202BG may be electrically connected in parallel with each other (eg, according to the exemplary schematic diagram of FIG. 8). As such, the conductors (ie, ribbon wires, conductive regions of the conductive backsheet) can be electrically connected to terminals that can provide the desired electrical connection. Negative conductor 2214 may be electrically connected to the negative terminals of substrings 2202BD and 2202BH and routed toward first long reference side 2250A. Negative conductor 2214 is similarly connected to the negative terminals of the remaining substrings 2202 (i.e., substrings 2202BC, 2202BG, 2202BB, 2202BF, 2202BA, and 2202BE) and is similarly connected to first long reference side 2250A. can be routed to. An additional negative conductor 2214 can be utilized to connect all of the negative conductors of FIG. 22B as described. Such additional negative conductors 2214 may be routed along the long dimension in proximity to the first long reference side 2250B. Negative conductor 2214 may be routed toward first short reference side 2248A. Similarly, the positive conductor 2216 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the substrings 2202BA-220BH) along the opposite long side, the second long reference side 2250B, to the first short reference side 2248A. can be routed to.

Fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210B and fully parallel roof tile PV module 2200B may further comprise junction box 2242 . Junction box 2242 may be disposed proximate first short reference side 2248 and second long reference side 2250B. As such, negative conductor 2214 may be routed into junction box 2242 from the terminals of substrings 2202BA and 2202BE. Additionally, positive conductor 2216 may be routed into junction box 2242 proximate second long reference side 2250B. The power generated by the fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210B and the fully parallel roof tile PV cell module 2200B may be acted upon and/or varied by passive and/or active electronics, for example, as described with respect to FIGS. 32-34B. It can be affected and utilized substantially as described in connection with FIG. 22A.

FIG. 22B illustrates the negative terminal as being disposed on the first side of each row and the positive terminal as being disposed on the second side of each row. It should be appreciated that this arrangement could be reversed. In addition, FIG. 22B illustrates a negative connection (i.e., negative conductor 2214) as routed on and along the first long reference side 2250A, and on the second long reference side 2250B: The positive connection (ie, positive conductor 2216) is illustrated as being routed therealong. It should be appreciated that this arrangement could be reversed as well. FIG. 22B illustrates junction box 2242 as being disposed proximate first short reference side 2248A. It should be appreciated that junction box 2242 may similarly be disposed proximate second short reference side 2248B. In addition, FIG. 22B illustrates junction box 2242 as being disposed proximate second long reference side 2250B. It should be appreciated that in some arrangements, junction box 2242 may be positioned proximate first long reference side 2250A as well. In addition, all of the above can be implemented and used in various combinations, as understood by those skilled in the art.

FIG. 22C illustrates an exemplary topology of an exemplary fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210C comprising U-shaped substrings 2202CA-2202CF (generally U-shaped substring 2202C). PV cells 2204 of U-shaped substring 2202C may be connected in series. The series connection and/or conductive paths of PV cells 2204 in U-shaped substring 2202C may be illustrated as solid black paths in FIG. 22C. Conductive pathways can pass through any number of different conductive media, such as PV cells, silver fingers, busbars, conductive backsheets, ribbon wires, and the like. Electrical connections in FIG. 22C may be accomplished by conductors 2234A-2234F. The topology and connections of the fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2210C of FIG. 22C can be understood as corresponding to the PV cell arrays of FIGS. 1A-5B. As such, a fully parallel roof tile PV cell array may be understood according to the description of FIGS. 1A-5B unless otherwise stated herein. The substrings (and sub-substrings) of FIGS. 1A-5B extend serially along the length of the PV cell array, while the substrings (and sub-substrings) of FIG. 22C extend serially across the width of the PV cell array. (Additionally, similar topologies and connections may be achieved in substantially square-shaped or alternatively-shaped PV cell arrays and PV modules).

FIG. 23A illustrates an exemplary topology of an exemplary fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2306D comprising U-shaped substrings 2302DA-2302DF (generally U-shaped substring 2302D). FIG. 23A shows that the substrings are arranged such that the positive terminals of adjacent substrings are disposed close to each other, and likewise the negative terminals of adjacent substrings are disposed close to each other (e.g., the following

のように）、例示的な完全並列ルーフタイルＰＶセルアレイを図示する。しかしながら、交互の極性の端子が、例えば、以下：

), illustrate an exemplary fully parallel roof tile PV cell array. However, if terminals of alternating polarity are used, for example:

のように、互いに近接して配設される（例えば、インターリーブされる）ように、Ｕ字形状サブストリング２３０２ＤＡ～２３０２ＤＦを配列することが有利であり得る。加えて、例えば、図１Ａ～図５Ｂに関連して本明細書に記載するものと同様に、そのようなＵ字形状サブストリングは、中点交差結合（例えば、サブストリング２３０２Ｄのいくつか又は全部の中点、例えば、第１の中点交差結合２３４０Ａ及び第２の中点交差結合２３４０Ｂを電気的に接続する）を含み得る。更に、中点交差結合２３４０Ａ及び２３４０Ｂは、互いに電気的に接続され、完全並列ルーフタイルＰＶセルアレイ２３０６Ｄを更に並列化し得る。

It may be advantageous to arrange the U-shaped substrings 2302DA-2302DF so that they are disposed (eg, interleaved) in close proximity to each other such that the U-shaped substrings 2302DA-2302DF are arranged in close proximity to each other, such as . Additionally, such U-shaped substrings, eg, similar to those described herein with respect to FIGS. , eg, electrically connecting a first midpoint cross-couple 2340A and a second midpoint cross-couple 2340B). Additionally, midpoint cross-couples 2340A and 2340B may be electrically connected together to further parallelize fully parallel roof tile PV cell array 2306D.

The advantages of the topology of FIG. 22C are described above (see, eg, the advantages described herein in connection with FIGS. 1A-5B). Additionally, the topology of FIG. 23A may be advantageous depending on shading concerns. For example, referring to FIG. 22C, assume that the dark condition covers the last row of each of substrings 2302CC and 2302CF. Such a light-blocking state can affect about a third of PV cell array 2306C, since two sub-substrings of the same potential (e.g., two sub-substrings connected between the negative potential terminal and the midpoint potential) can be affected. can effectively reduce the production of 1 of However, referring to FIG. 23A, assuming the same light blocking conditions just described, the two affected sub-substrings are at different potentials (one sub-substring is placed between the negative potential terminal and the midpoint). and a second sub-substring disposed between the midpoint and the positive potential terminal), only about one-sixth of the production of PV cell array 2306D can be reduced. FIG. 23B illustrates the topology of FIG. 23A with an even number of substrings (i.e., 8 substrings) with 4 substrings for each half of the PV cell array, with the substring midpoints on both sides connected. . It will be appreciated that the topologies of Figures 23A and 23B are related to the topology of Figure 22C. Similarly, the topology of FIG. 22C can be understood to correspond to the topologies of FIGS. 1A-5B (in particular, the topology of FIG. 23B can be seen to correspond to the topology of FIG. 3G). As such, topologies similar to those of FIGS. 23A and 23B may be understood to correspond to FIGS. 1A-5B in the same way that FIGS. 23A and 23B relate to FIG. 22C.

FIG. 23C illustrates a topology similar to that of FIG. 23A with an odd number of substrings (ie, 7 substrings) having 3.5 substrings in each half of the PV cell array. Each half PV cell array includes three full substrings and half of the substrings. This arrangement is useful when the size of the photovoltaic module is sized to favor an odd number of PV cell strings and/or when the preferred total current of the photovoltaic module corresponds to an odd number of PV cell strings. obtain. For example, if 210 mm wide solar cells are used and less than 1500 mm roof tiles are desired, it may be preferable to arrange seven rows of solar cells as illustrated in FIG. 23C.

FIG. 24A illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 2400A that can implement the exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array of FIG. 20A. As such, substrings 2402AH-2402AH of FIG. 24A may be understood as corresponding to substrings 2002AA-2002AH of FIG. 20A, respectively. Additionally, the conductive traces of FIG. 24A can be understood as corresponding to the conductors of FIG. 20A. As such, conductive traces 2414 and 2416 of FIG. 24A may be understood as corresponding to conductors 2014 and 2016 of FIG. 20A, respectively. As such, it will be appreciated that the mounting of rear-contact PV cells onto a conductive backsheet 2400A can provide the PV cell array 2210A of FIG. 20A. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the topology of FIG. 20A can be variously implemented (eg, ribbon wire connections, conductive backsheet connections).

FIG. 24B illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 2400B that can implement the exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array of FIG. 20B. As such, substrings 2402BA-2402BH of FIG. 24B may be understood as corresponding to substrings 2002BA-2002BH of FIG. 20B, respectively. Additionally, the conductive traces of FIG. 24B can be understood as corresponding to the conductors of FIG. 20B. As such, conductive traces 2414 and 2416 of FIG. 24B may be understood as corresponding to conductors 2014 and 2016 of FIG. 20B, respectively. As such, it will be appreciated that the mounting of rear-contact PV cells onto a conductive backsheet 2400B can provide the PV cell array 2210B of FIG. 20B. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the topology of FIG. 20B can be variously implemented (eg, ribbon wire connections, conductive backsheet connections).

FIG. 24C illustrates an exemplary conductive backsheet 2400C that can implement the exemplary roof tile vertical PV cell array of FIG. 20C. As such, substrings 2402CA-2402CF of FIG. 24C may be understood as corresponding to substrings 2002CA-2002CF of FIG. 20C, respectively. Additionally, the conductive traces of FIG. 24C can be understood as corresponding to the conductors of FIG. 20C (FIG. 3A with fewer PV cell substrings). As such, it will be appreciated that the mounting of rear-contact PV cells onto a conductive backsheet 2400C can provide the PV cell array 2210C of FIG. 20C. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the topology of FIG. 20C can be variously implemented (eg, ribbon wire connections, conductive backsheet connections).

Still referring to FIG. 24A, it can be seen that each row of PV cells can be electrically connected in parallel with each other using a conductive backsheet 2400A. These connections may be obtained by not cutting (or otherwise separating) the conductive backsheet between adjacent rows of substrings. Thus, the PV cells in each of substrings 2402A-2402D connected by conductive backsheet 2001A are considered to be electrically series-parallel connected (ie, TCT connected) with all cross-couplings. obtain. Such connections may further parallelize roof tile vertical PV cell arrays and allow for increased mitigation of mismatch conditions. Similarly, referring to FIG. 24B, PV cells in the same column can be connected at the TCT.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to electronics, eg, power devices (eg, DC-DC converters, optimizers, MPPT controllers, inverters, microinverters, etc.) that are variously connected to and/or included with PV cell arrays and PV modules. Additionally or alternatively, aspects of the present disclosure relate to replaceability and/or ease of replacement of power devices. PV generators (eg, PV cells, PV cell arrays, PV modules) can produce electrical power when illuminated with light energy. Various conditions can affect the power production of a PV generator. For example, partial shading conditions can adversely affect the power production of PV generators. In addition, PV generators can be connected to loads (eg, batteries, grids, appliances, inverters, etc.). The load itself (eg, the impedance of the load) can affect the power production of the PV generator to which it is connected, a problem often exacerbated by environmental conditions. In many cases, it may be desirable to positively influence the power production of PV modules. This can be done by variously connecting electronics such as optimizers, DC-DC converters, and/or microinverters in series with the power output of the PV module. For example, as noted above, the load itself can affect the power produced by the PV modules. As such, a PV module under certain conditions may have a load impedance at which power generation may be maximized. As such, optimizers and/or DC-DC converters may be connected to power outputs (eg, positive and negative leads of PV modules) to positively influence the power produced by the PV generator. According to an embodiment, this is accomplished by power point tracking (PPT) and/or maximum power point tracking (MPPT), varying the impedance experienced by the PV generator to allow for any particular time and An increase in the power output of the PV generator can be achieved in conditions. As such, power can be efficiently harvested from PV module installations. In an alternative configuration, a microinverter may be connected to the power output of the PV module. According to such embodiments, power can be more effectively coupled and harvested from PV module installations.

In many cases, the PV cell array of a PV module is electrically connected to a junction box. Junction boxes are often located on the surface (eg, front, back) of a PV module. Junction boxes often include positive and negative leads that may extend from the junction box and take advantage of the power produced by the PV generator. PV generator leads often include removable connectors (eg, MC4 connectors) that allow connection to additional components with complementary connectors. As such, additional components, e.g., additional PV modules, electronics, power devices, loads, etc., are connected to the PV module at detachable PV module connectors connected to leads extending from the junction box. can be separated from However, such detachable connectors may have drawbacks. For example, according to an arrangement in which power devices such as DC-DC converters, optimizers and/or microinverters are connected to PV module leads, PV module leads are often produced using connectors to Device inputs are produced using associated connectors, and power device outputs (eg, connected to additional components) are produced using associated connectors. Each connector entails an increase in production costs. In addition, detachable connectors often have reduced reliability, e.g. , MTBF). In addition, detachable connectors can be associated with increased resistance and therefore reduced PV generator performance compared to integral connections. Therefore, solutions have been proposed to incorporate power devices, such as optimizers, inverters, etc., into PV module junction boxes. However, such solutions can suffer from additional problems, such as poor thermal management and increased thermal degradation. As such, aspects herein relate to solutions to the problems identified above.

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary stretch integrated power device 2500 according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 25, a stretch integrated power device 2500 may comprise a power device 2502 (the power device may be substantially similar to and/or may comprise and/or be provided with PE 3202). ). Power device 2502 may comprise power device electronic components and circuitry. For example, power devices may, for example, optimize power production of PV generators (eg, PV cell arrays, PV modules), DC-DC convert power produced by PV generators, and/or may include electronic components and circuitry for inverting the power supplied (eg, a microinverter). Power devices may additionally or alternatively include passive electronic components (eg, diodes) to affect the power production of the PV generator in various ways. Power device 2502 may further comprise a first input terminal 2514A and a second input terminal 2514B. Power from the PV generator may be input to power device 2502 at first input terminal 2514A and second input terminal 2514B. Additionally, power device 2502 may further comprise a first output terminal 2516A and a second output terminal 2516B. Power produced by the PV generator and operable by power device 2502 may be utilized at first output terminal 2516A and second output terminal 2516B.

Stretch integrated power device 2500 may further comprise a junction box 2504 . Junction box 2504 may include junction box housing 2506 . Junction box housing 2506 may be mechanically configured to attach to a surface of PV module 2522 (only a portion of PV module 2522 is shown in FIG. 25). For example, junction box 2504 can be attached to a non-conductive surface of PV module 2522 . For example, junction box 2504 can be attached to the back of PV module 2522 . Alternatively, junction box 2504 may be attached to the front of PV module 2522 (eg, on a roof tile PV module). Junction box 2504 may include openings 2510 for receiving cell conductors coupled to at least a portion of the PV cells of the PV module to which junction box 2504 is attached. As such, the positive and negative PV cell conductors can be routed into junction box 2504 through junction box opening 2510 . Junction box 2504 may further comprise a first conductive contact 2508A and a second conductive contact 2508B. A negative PV cell conductor can be electrically connected to a first conductive contact 2508A and a positive PV cell conductor can be electrically connected to a second conductive contact 2508B. As such, the open circuit voltage of the PV cell module (and PV cell array) can be measured across the first conductive contact 2508A and the second conductive contact 2508B.

Stretch integrated power device 2500 may further comprise a first input conductor 2512A and a second input conductor 2512B. A first input conductor 2504 A and a second input conductor 2512 B may extend from junction box 2504 and junction box housing 2506 . Inside junction box 2504, a first end of first input conductor 2512A may be electrically coupled to and integrally coupled to first conductive contact 2508A. Further, within junction box 2504, a first end of second input conductor 2504B may be electrically coupled to and integrally coupled to second conductive contact 2508B. As used herein, "integrally" and "integrated", e.g., "integrally with", "integrally with", "integral with" 'connected to' or 'integrated with' means coupled via a 'permanent' attachment method that can change the area of the connection if, for example, the connection is broken can. Exemplary bonding methods that may be "integrally" bonded or considered "integrated" may include soldered, crimped, and/or threaded connections. A connection via a detachable connector (eg, an MC4 connector) may not be considered "integrally" coupled or "integrated." Outside the junction box 2504 , the second end of the first conductor 2512A can be electrically connected and integrally connected to the first input terminal 2514A of the power device 2502 . Additionally, outside the junction box 2504 , the second end of the second conductor 2512 B may be electrically connected and integrally connected to the second input terminal 2512 B of the power device 2502 .

Power device 2502 may be separated from junction box 2504 (eg, by a distance the length of first conductor 2512A and second conductor 2512B). As such, simplified thermal management can be seen compared to an arrangement in which the power devices are arranged within the junction box. For example, being disposed outside of the junction box 2504, the thermal requirements of the power device 2502 and junction box components (eg, electrical connections, electronic components) are reduced to those of the power device and internal junction box components. It can be managed more easily because the considerations can be managed separately. In addition, increased heating of the power device and the internal components of the junction box by packaging the power device and the internal components of the junction box together while the power device is external to the junction box may be avoided. . Additionally, additional thermal management of the power device 2502 may be obtained with this arrangement. For example, PV modules often include a metal frame around the PV module. First input conductor 2512A and second input conductor 2512B may be of sufficient length to allow power device 2502 to reach a portion of the PV module frame. Power device 2502 may be mechanically configured to attach to a PV module frame. Additionally, the power device 2502 is mechanically configured to enable heat transfer to the PV module frame (eg, to enable the PV module frame to act as a heat sink) when attached to the PV module frame. can be configured Additionally or alternatively, the power device 2502 is mechanically configured to attach to a surface of a PV module (eg, the back or front of a non-conductive surface of the PV module (eg, of a roof tile PV module)). obtain.

With continued reference to FIG. 25 , first input conductor 2512 A and second input conductor 2512 B may extend some length between junction box 2504 and power device 2502 . The first input conductor 2512A and the second input conductor 2512B are disconnected (e.g., removing the power device 2502) and the first conductive contact 2508A and the second input conductor 2512B are disconnected. Sufficient length so that it is possible to connect a replacement power device to the remaining portions of first input conductor 2512A and second input conductor 2512B, which may still be coupled to second conductive contact 2508B, respectively. can be For example, first input conductor 2512A and second input conductor 2512B may be cut, resulting in two new second ends of first input conductor 2512A and second input conductor 2512B, and power device 2502 may , can be removed. The new second ends of the first input conductor 2512A and the second input conductor 2512B may be integrally connected to the first and second input terminals, respectively, of the replacement power device. For example, the first input conductor 2512A and the second input conductor 2512B can be soldered, crimped, or screwed to the first and second input terminals of the replacement power device. Additionally or alternatively, the replacement power device may have its own first input conductor and second input conductor. As such, the first and second input conductors of the replacement power device are integrally connected, eg, soldered, to the remaining first and second input conductors 2512A and 2512B, respectively. or crimped or screwed (eg, via a screw terminal block). As such, the first input conductor 2512A and the second input conductor 2512B can be at least 1.5 inches to 2 inches in length. Any length of first input conductor 2512A and second input conductor 2512B is contemplated herein.

Stretch integrated power device 2500 may further comprise a first output conductor 2518A and a second output conductor 2518B. A first output conductor and a second output conductor may extend from power device 2502 . First output conductor 2518A may be integrally electrically connected at its first end to first output terminal 2516A of power device 2502 . A second output conductor 2518B may be integrally electrically connected at a second end to a second output terminal 2516B of the power device. A first output conductor 2518A and a second output conductor 2518B may extend from the power device. A first detachable connector 2520A (eg, an MC4 connector) may be coupled at its second end to a first output conductor 2518A. A second detachable connector 2520B (eg, an MC4 connector) may be coupled at its second end to the second output conductor 2518B. As such, power generated by the PV module to which the junction box 2504 may be attached and acted upon by the power device 2502 is directed at the first removable connector 2520A and the second removable connector 2520B (eg, one or more additional PV modules and loads). For example, the first removable connector 2520A and the second removable connector 2520B may connect to additional PV modules, utility grids, batteries, and/or additional electronic components (eg, inverters). As such, it is configured to operate on power produced by a PV generator and/or to operate on power produced by a PV generator (e.g., DC-DC converter, optimizer, inverter, microinverter, etc.). Power device 2502 is contemplated herein as including only two detachable connectors. Such a configuration can be advantageous as detachable connectors can entail increased production costs. Additionally, detachable connections of detachable connectors can be associated with increased MTBF and decreased efficiency compared to integral connections.

Often, in the PV module production flow, the PV module producer (e.g., manufacturer) provides "off-the-shelf" cable assemblies (e.g., including junction boxes, leads, and connectors) that are added to the PV module. can buy. Additionally, if the use of a power device is desired, the power device can be added to the lead as a separate component using a detachable connector. According to the present disclosure, power device 2502 may be integrally connected with junction box 2504 and produced as an “off-the-shelf” cable assembly. As such, production costs can be reduced and component reliability is enhanced.

According to the present disclosure, first input conductor 2512A and second input conductor 2512B may be made of a first type of metal, and first output conductor 2518A and second output conductor 2518B may be made of a first It may be made of a second type of metal different from the type of metal. For example, first input conductor 2512A and second input conductor 2512B may be made of copper, and first output conductor 2518A and second output conductor 2518B may be made of aluminum. As such, where power device replacement may be performed, superior conductors (eg, copper) may be utilized, for example, to improve ease of replacement and long-term reliability. Additionally, where replacement parts are less critical (eg, in the first and second output conductors), alternate conductors (eg, aluminum) can be utilized to improve cost effectiveness. As used herein, first input conductor 2512A and second input conductor 2512B, and first output conductor 2518A and second output conductor 2518B are made of the same metal (eg, all copper, all aluminum, etc.). It is contemplated to obtain It can be appreciated that the replacement power device may be provided as a replacement power device assembly. Such a replacement power device assembly may include first output conductors 2518A and second output conductors 2518B, and first removable connectors 2520A and second removable connectors 2520B.

Although power device 2502 in FIG. 25 is illustrated as rectangular, various shapes of power device 2502 are contemplated herein. For example, according to aspects, the power device 2502 may be can (eg, cylindrical) shaped (see, eg, FIG. 26). A can-shaped power device 2502 may be advantageous for packaging, as the cylindrical shape may more readily accommodate the shape of the conductor to which it may be integrally attached.

Additionally, it is contemplated herein that the stretch integrated power device may comprise a power device cartridge body having replaceable power device components. FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary stretch integrated cartridge power device 2600. FIG. Referring to FIG. 26, a stretch integrated cartridge power device 2600 can comprise an openable cartridge body 2602 . Openable cartridge body 2602 may include openable access 2622 . Openable access 2622 can be opened to expose the interior of openable cartridge body 2602 . A power device electronics package 2624 (eg, power device components, circuit boards, etc.) may be disposed inside the cartridge body. As such, a power device may be effectively removed and/or replaced by removing the power device electronics package 2624 from the cartridge body 2602 and inserting a replacement power device electronics package 2624 . Such a stretch integrated cartridge power device 2600 may entail all of the advantages of stretch integrated power devices as described above. Further, the stretch integrated cartridge power device 2600 can be replaced without cutting and repairing cables. As such, such a stretch integrated cartridge power device 2600 may be associated with increased ease of interchangeability.

According to aspects, stretch integrated power devices can be variously integrated with PV module junction boxes and PV cell arrays. FIG. 27A illustrates an exemplary stretch integrated power device, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 27A, a stretch integrated power device 2700 can include junction box contacts 2708 in various configurations. Referring to FIG. 27A, junction box 2706 may include additional contacts 2708 for electrical connection of additional substrings of PV cell arrays of PV module 2730 to which junction box 2706 may be coupled. Junction box 2706 may include first contact 2708A, second contact 2708B, third contact 2708C, and fourth contact 2708D. PV cell array conductors (eg, ribbon wires) connected to one or more of the PV cell arrays and PV cell substrings of PV module 2730 may be connected to first through fourth contacts 2708A-2708D. For example, a PV cell array to which a junction box may be connected may include three series-connected substrings of series-connected PV cells. As such, a PV cell array may be connected to four contacts 2708A-2708D of junction box 2706. FIG. A first input conductor 2712A may be integrally electrically connected at its first end to a first contact 2708A (eg, the negative contact of a PV cell array), and a second input conductor 2712B may At the first end, it may be integrally electrically connected to a second contact 2708B (eg, a positive contact of a PV cell array). A power device may comprise a first input terminal 2714A and a second input terminal 2714B. Power may be input to the power device (eg, from a PV module, PV cell array, PV generator) at first input terminal 2714A and second input terminal 2714B. A first input conductor 2712A may be integrally electrically connected at its second end to a first input terminal 2714A (eg, a negative input terminal), and a second input conductor 2712B may be connected at its second end. 2 may be integrally electrically connected to a second input terminal 2714B (eg, the positive input terminal). First input conductor 2712 A and second input conductor 2712 B may extend a length between junction box 2706 and power device 2702 . Power device 2702 may act on input power (eg, DC-DC convert power, optimize power, invert power, etc.) to output power at first output terminal 2716A and second output terminal 2716B. Power can be used for The first output conductor 2718A may be integrally electrically connected (e.g., soldered, crimped, screwed, etc.) to the first output terminal 2716A at its first end. ), the second output conductor 2718B may be integrally electrically connected at its first end to the second output terminal 2716B. The first output conductor and the second output conductor may extend a length from the power device. A first detachable connector 2720A may be connected to the second end of the first output conductor 2718A and a second detachable connector 2720B may be connected to the second end of the second output conductor 2718B. can be connected. Power generated by the PV cell array and acted upon by power device 2702 may be utilized across first connector 2720A and second connector 2720B (eg, load, string inverter, grid, one of other PV cell arrays, etc.). so that it is connected to more than one).

With continued reference to FIG. 27A, various additional components and connections can be included in junction box 2706 . Junction box 2706 may further comprise a first diode 2722A, a second diode 2722B, and a third diode 2722C (generally diode 2722). The first through third diodes 2722A-2722C may include, for example, bypass diodes (eg, PN junction silicon diodes, Schottky barrier diodes). First through third diodes 2722A-2722C may be connected between contacts 2708A-2708D, effectively mounted between the exemplary three substrings of the PV cell array to which junction box 2706 is attached. As such, diodes 2722A-2722C may enable bypassing of one or more substrings of the PV cell array to which junction box 2706 may be attached. Diode 2722 connects the substring of the PV cell array to which junction box 2706 may be attached when the substring (or portion thereof) to which diode 2722 may be connected may be reverse biased (eg, under partial light blocking conditions). It can be operated to bypass. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of diodes 2722A may be mounted as blocking diodes, for example. Such diodes 2722 mounted as blocking diodes may enable backflow prevention of current through the substrings to which the blocking diodes may be connected. Diodes 2722 mounted as bypass diodes may be mounted across the substrings (and/or arrays) for the substrings (and/or arrays) that are connected in series with each other. Also, diodes 2722, provided as blocking diodes, may be mounted across the substrings (and/or arrays) for the substrings (and/or arrays) that are connected in parallel with each other. Diode 2722A may be mounted across contacts 2708A and 2708B, diode 2722B may be mounted across contacts 2708B and 2708C, and diode 2722C may be mounted across contacts 2708C and 2708D. Although FIG. 27A illustrates a junction box for a PV cell array with three substrings, the same principles can be applied to junction boxes 2706 connected to PV cell arrays with any number of substrings.

FIG. 27B illustrates another exemplary stretch integrated power device 2700 according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. The exemplary stretch-integrated power device 2700 of FIG. 27B may be substantially identical to the exemplary stretch-integrated power device of FIG. 27A unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Referring to FIG. 27B, substrings of PV cell arrays to which junction boxes 2706B may be attached may be connected and arranged in various ways. As such, it may be advantageous and/or desirable to arrange the contacts of junction box 2706 differently to best suit the arrangement and electrical connections of the PV cell array to which junction box 2706 may be attached. For example, junction box 2706A of FIG. 27A may include positive and negative contacts (2708A and 2708B, respectively) to which first input conductor 2712A and second input conductor 2712B may be connected. The first contact 2708A and the second contact 2708B can be adjacent contacts. Referring to FIG. 27B, junction box 2706B of FIG. 27B may similarly include positive and negative contacts (2708A and 2708D, respectively), although the positive and negative contacts may be distributed differently. For example, the positive and negative contacts may be non-adjacent and/or disposed at opposite ends of the array of contacts.

25-27B illustrate exemplary stretch integrated power devices with a single junction box. FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary split junction box stretch integrated power device in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 28, some PV modules may utilize a split junction box, first split junction box 2806A and second split junction box 2806B. First split junction box 2806A can be, for example, a positive junction box. As such, the first split junction box 2806A can have a contact 2808A (eg, positive contact). One or more positive conductors (eg, ribbon wires) from one or more PV cells of the PV cell array of PV module 2830 to which the first split junction box may be connected extend through first opening 2810A. can be connected to the first contact 2808A. Similarly, a second split junction box 2806B can have a contact 2808B (eg, negative contact). Although first split junction box 2806A and second split junction box 2806B are illustrated as having one contact 2808 each, any number of contacts 2808 per split junction box 2806 is contemplated herein. be done. One or more negative conductors (eg, ribbon wires) from one or more PV cells of the PV cell array of PV module 2830 to which the second split junction box may be connected extend through first opening 2810B. can be connected to the second contact 2808B. First split junction box 2806A can include a first split junction box housing 2804A that can be mechanically configured to attach to a surface of PV module 2830 . Similarly, a second split junction box 2806B can include a second split junction box housing 2804B that can be mechanically configured to attach to the surface of the same PV module.

Similar to the exemplary stretch integrated power device of FIGS. 25-27B, the exemplary split junction box stretch integrated power device 2800 of FIG. 2502, 2502 and 2702). Power device 2802 may include first input terminal 2814A and second input terminal 2814B, and first output terminal 2816A and second output terminal 2816B. A first input conductor 2812A may be connected to a first contact 2808A and a first input terminal 2814A. First input conductor 2812 A may extend some length between first split junction box 2806 A and power device 2802 . Similarly, a second input conductor 2812B can be connected to a second contact 2808B and a second input terminal 2814B. Second input conductor 2812B may extend some length between second split junction box 2806B and power device 2802 . A first output conductor 2818A and a second output conductor 2818B may be connected at first ends thereof to first output terminals 2816A and second output terminals 2816B, respectively. A first output conductor 2818A and a second output conductor 2818B may extend from the power device. A first connector 2820A may be connected at its second end to a first output conductor 2818A, and a second connector 2818B may be connected at its second end to a second output conductor 2818B.

29A and 29B illustrate an exemplary stretch integrated power device 2900 associated with PV modules 2930 and PV cell arrays 2932, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 29A shows a rear view of an exemplary PV module 2930 with an exemplary stretch integrated power device 2900 attached, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. 29B shows a front view of the exemplary PV module 2900 of FIG. 29A with an exemplary PV cell array 2932. FIG. Referring to FIG. 29A, junction box 2906 may be mechanically configured to attach to the back of PV module 2930 . Additionally or alternatively, junction box 2906 may include a junction box housing that may be mechanically configured to attach to the back of PV modules 2930 . A first input conductor 2912A and a second input conductor 2912B may be connected to a junction box (as described herein) and a power device (as described herein) to provide junction box 2906 and power It can extend a length (eg, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 12 inches) between devices 2902 . A first output conductor 2918A and a second output conductor 2918B may be connected to the power device 2902 and extend a length from the power device 2902 . A first connector 2920A and a second connector 2920B may be connected to a first output conductor 2918A and a second output conductor 2918B. Power device 2902 may be mechanically configured to attach to the back of PV module 2930 . Referring to FIG. 29B, the front face of the PV module can include a PV cell array 2932. PV cell array 2932 may include any number of series and/or parallel connected PV cells. PV cell arrays can produce electrical power when illuminated by light energy. Referring to FIG. 29A, power generated by the PV cell array is input to junction box 2906 (eg, via an electrical connection to junction box 2906 of PV cell array 2932) and is input to junction box 2906 (eg, through first input conductor 2912A). and second input conductor 2912B) from junction box 2906 to power device 2902 . Power devices may affect the power produced by the PV cell array in various ways (eg, DC-DC convert power, invert power, optimize power, etc.). The power applied by the power device can then be utilized at first connector 2920A and second connector 2920B.

30A and 30B illustrate example alternative configurations of example stretch integrated power devices 3000A and 3000B according to this disclosure. The exemplary stretch-integrated power device of FIGS. 30A and 30B may be substantially similar to the exemplary stretch-integrated power device illustrated in FIGS. 25-29B unless otherwise specified. The exemplary stretch integrated power device of FIGS. 25-29B is illustrated as having two input conductors and two output conductors, which may be separate extensions (eg, separate cables, separate leads). ing. Referring to FIG. 30, output conductor 3018 can be a single extension (eg, single cable, single lead). A single output extension 3018 may comprise, for example, a multi-conductor single extension (eg, a multi-wire cable). As such, a single output extension 3018 may comprise multiple inner conductors. Each conductor may connect to power device 3002A substantially as described herein (eg, with reference to FIG. 25). In addition, a single detachable connector 3020 can be connected to a single output extension to utilize the power produced by the PV cell array of PV module 3030A to which the stretch integrated power device 3000A can be connected. Referring to FIG. 30B, similar to the stretch integrated power device 3000A and similar to the single output extension 3018, the input conductors can be packaged as a single input extension 3012. Referring to FIG. A single input extension 3012 may comprise a multi-conductor single extension (eg, multi-wire cable). Multiple conductors of a single input extension may be connected substantially as described in connection with the input conductors of FIG.

31A and 31B illustrate example stretch integrated power devices 3100A and 3100B in the context of being mounted to an example roof tile PV module 3130 according to this disclosure. Exemplary stretch integrated power devices 3100A and 3100B may be substantially similar to exemplary stretch integrated power devices 2500-3000B of FIGS. 25-30B unless otherwise stated herein. Referring to FIG. 31A, roof tile PV modules 3130 can be mounted on a solid surface (eg, roof). As such, it may be advantageous to place the components on the front surface of the roof tile PV module 3130 . As such, the front junction box 3106A may be attached to the front of the roof tile PV module 3130. FIG. A first input conductor 3112A and a second input conductor 3112B may be integrally connected at first ends thereof to the front junction box 3106A (eg, at contacts of the front junction box 3106A). A first input conductor 3112A and a second input conductor 3112B may be integrally connected at their second ends to a power device 3102 (eg, a DC-DC converter, inverter, microinverter, optimizer, etc.). . First input conductor 3112 A and second input conductor 3112 B may extend some length between front junction box 3106 A and power device 3102 . First output conductor 3118A and second output conductor 3118B may be integrally electrically connected to power device 3102 at their first ends. First conductor 3118A and second conductor 3118B may extend a distance from power device 3102 . A first detachable connector 3120A and a second detachable connector 3120B (eg, MC4 connectors) can be attached to second ends of the first output conductors 3118A and the second output conductors 3118B. Power generated by roof tile PV modules 3130 and affected by power device 3102 may be utilized at first connector 3120A and second connector 3120B.

Referring to FIG. 31A, a first output conductor 3118A can extend from the power device 3102 in a first direction and a second output conductor 3118B can extend from the power device 3102 in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction can be substantially opposite each other. Such an arrangement may prove advantageous depending on mounting considerations. For example, often roof tile PV modules (eg, roof tile PV modules 3130) may be mounted in tandem, for example, on a rooftop. To extract power with the desired power characteristics, several roof tile PV modules (eg, all roof tile PV modules in a row) are connected to the roof tile (eg, to increase the available voltage). Within a string of PV modules 3130 may be electrically connected in series with each other. As such, the negative output conductor (eg, output conductor 3118A) of one roof tile PV module 3130 is connected (eg, via removable connector 3120A) to the positive output conductor (eg, output conductor 3118B) of the adjacent roof tile PV module 3130. ) (eg, via a second detachable connector 3120B). As such, configuring a stretched integrated power device 3100A according to FIG. can allow for streamlined series connections.

Referring to FIG. 31B, the stretch integrated power device 3100B of FIG. 31B can be substantially identical to the stretch integrated power device 3100A of FIG. 31A unless otherwise stated herein. Referring to FIG. 31B, first output conductor 3118A and second output conductor 3118B may extend in the same direction from power device 3120. Referring to FIG. Although FIG. 31B illustrates first output conductor 3118A and second output conductor 3118B as extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of roof tile PV module 3130, here the first output conductor It is contemplated that conductor 3118A and second output conductor 3118B may extend in any direction from the power device. Such configurations may be advantageously associated with reduced production costs over some other configurations.

The illustration of some electrical connections has been omitted from some of the stretch integrated power devices in FIGS. 25-31B. The stretch integrated power devices 2500-3100B of FIGS. 25-31B comprise elements (eg, contacts) for electrically connecting the components described herein (eg, as shown in FIG. 25). It should be understood that you get

As described herein, all PV arrays of the present disclosure employ diodes (e.g., bypass diodes) to bypass one or more PV generators (e.g., PV cells, PV strings, etc.). can be incorporated. Additionally or alternatively, all PV arrays of the present disclosure may not incorporate (eg, omit) diodes. According to such a configuration, power electronics (eg, PD 3102 (eg, PE 3202)) can be connected to the PV arrays of the present disclosure. The power electronics act on the PV array to which it is connected, for example bypassing one or more strings of the PV array and/or operating one or more strings of the PV array to which it is connected. The point may be changed (eg, set) (eg, moving the operating point of one or more strings of the PV array to a safe operating point). For example, referring to FIG. 31B, multiple roof tile PV modules 3130 may be connected together in series. One (or more) of the series-connected roof tile PV modules 3130 receives reduced illumination (e.g., partial shading conditions) compared to other connected roof tile PV modules 3130 . obtain. Power electronics (eg, PD 3102 (eg, PE 3202)) may detect (eg, sense) such partial shading conditions and move shaded roof tile PV modules 3130 to a safe operating point.

In addition to static reconfiguration of substrings as discussed herein, substrings and PV modules can be actively optimized, utilized, transformed and/or or can be inverted. PE 3202 may be substring 102 level, multi-substring level (eg, PEs acting on 2, 3, 4, etc. substrings 102), PV module level, and/or multi-PV module level (eg, 2 , 3, 4, etc. PV modules). 32, illustrated is an exemplary PE 3202 in accordance with one or more aspects. PE 3202 may include casing 3231 . Casing 3231 may house circuitry 3230 (illustrated functionally). Additionally or alternatively, the PE 3202 may be disposed directly on the conductive backsheet 901 (eg, conductive backsheets 901A-901H) or PV module substrate. PE 3202 may be epoxy coated onto a conductive backsheet or otherwise encapsulated (e.g., using resin). junction box 242A, 942, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, casing 3231 and junction boxes (eg, junction boxes 242A, 942, etc.) may be one and the same. PE 3202 may include power converter 3240 . Power converter 3240 is a direct current-direct current (DC-DC) conversion such as buck, boost, buck+boost, flyback, Cuk, buck and boost in any order, and/or forward converter. may contain vessels. Power converter 3240 may be a direct current-alternating current (DC/AC) converter (eg, an inverter, or a smaller portion of the power from DC) instead of or in addition to a DC-to-DC converter. a microinverter designed to convert to AC). The positive and negative terminals of the PV generator (eg, terminals 105 and 103 of substring 102) may be electrically connected to the input terminals of power converter 3240, which is produced by the PV generator. It can be configured to convert the DC power into different forms of power, eg, DC power at different voltage or current levels, or AC power.

According to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, circuit 3230 extracts increased power from a PV generator (e.g., PV cell, substring, PV cell array, PV module, PV module array, etc.) to which PE 3202 is coupled. A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) circuit 3295 configured to: The MPPT circuit 3295 tracks the characteristics of the power produced by the PV generator, such as the IV curve (current-voltage curve), and adjusts the load (impedance) presented to the PV generator to control power transfer. It can be maintained at a substantial maximum power point (MPP). Power converter 3240 may include MPPT 3295 , eliminating the need for separate MPPT circuitry 3295 . The circuit 3230 may further comprise a control device 3270 such as a microprocessor, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), and/or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Control device 3270 may control and/or communicate with other elements of circuitry 3230 via common bus 3290 . In some aspects, the control device 3270 controls the power converter 3240 to perform the functions of the MPPT circuit 3295 by receiving voltage and/or current measurements at the input and/or output of the power converter 3240. power converter to control and, based on those measurements, adjust its input voltage or current or adjust its output voltage or current so that the power produced by the PV generator is increased 3240 can be controlled. Circuit 3230 directly measures parameters such as voltage and/or current output by the module, power output by the module, irradiance received by the module, and/or temperature on or near the module, or PV A circuit and/or sensor/sensor interface 3280 configured to receive measured parameters from connected sensors on the generator or near the PV generator may be included. Circuitry 3230 may include a communication device 3250 configured to send and/or receive data and/or commands from other devices. Communication interface 3250 may be, for example, Power Line Communication (PLC) technology, acoustic communication technology, or wireless such as BlueTooth™, ZigBee™, Wi-Fi™, cellular communication or other wireless methods. Technology can be used to communicate.

Circuitry 3230 may include safety devices 3260 (eg, fuses, circuit breakers, residual current detectors, etc.). For example, a fuse may be connected in series with some or all of the conductors (eg, in series with the power path from the terminals of the PV generator to the output of the junction box). As another example, the PE 3202 may include a circuit breaker and the control device 3270 may respond to detecting a potentially unsafe condition or from the system control device (eg, via the communication device 3250) ) is configured to activate a circuit breaker to disconnect the PE 3202 from the PV string or PV generator when a command is received. As yet another example, the PE 3202 may include a bypass circuit featuring a switch, the control device 3270 responding to detecting a potentially unsafe condition, or from the system control device 3270 (e.g., Upon receiving a command (via communication device 3250), it is configured to activate the bypass circuit. A bypass circuit may short the input and/or output terminals of the PE 3202 when activated (eg, connected to the positive and negative terminals of a PV generator). Additionally or alternatively, a bypass circuit may disconnect the input terminal of PE 3202 from the output terminal.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, the PE 3202 may also be utilized to mitigate the adverse effects of misalignment or partial shading conditions, such as the "hot spots" described herein. PE 3202 may monitor the performance and power characteristics of PV generators (eg, PV cells, substrings, PV cell arrays, PV modules, PV module arrays). Based on the PV generator performance (eg, IV curve) and power characteristics, the PE3202 selects a portion of the overall PV generator (eg, a single PV cell within a PV module or a single PV cell within a substring). ) is reverse-biased and/or has a "hot spot" due to, for example, a drop in illumination intensity from a partially darkened condition. The PE 3202 may then act to mitigate the reverse bias or "hot spots". The PE3202 can counteract such PV generator reverse bias in several ways. For example, the PE 3202 can change the amount of current being drawn from the overall PV generator (e.g., PV modules, substrings (e.g., substrings 102, 1002, etc.)) to reduce the PV generator (e.g., For example, it can match the current being produced by a shaded PV cell). In this way, the reduced PV generator may no longer be reverse biased (or may be reverse biased to a lesser extent) and adverse effects such as "hot spots" may be mitigated. Additionally or alternatively, PE 3202 may bypass reduced PV generators (eg, substrings). According to aspects, the PE 3202 may be capable of acting at a finer granularity level. For example, the PE 3202 may be connected to or have control of the PV cell array at the substring level (discussed in more detail below). In such an embodiment, PEs 3202 acting at the substring level may or may not be connected with additional PEs 3202 acting at a lower granularity level, eg, the PV module level. In such an embodiment, multiple PEs 3202 may be working on the same system with different levels of granularity. Further, in such embodiments, the PE 3202 may determine, based on power characteristics and performance, that a portion of the substrings are misaligned and/or "hot" due, for example, to reduced illumination or partial shading. It may be possible to detect at the substring level whether it is receiving "spots". The PE then either moves the portion to a safe operating point (e.g., by reducing the current draw to match the reduced portion) or alternatively bypasses the reduced portion. can do In another aspect, the PE may utilize thermocouples to detect when the PV generator is "hotspotting" and act on the PV generator accordingly, as described herein. .

PE can be utilized at the panel level, where the power production of the entire PV module can be affected. After being acted upon, power from a PV module can be combined with power of other electrically connected PV modules in any of a variety of ways including, for example, series, parallel, series-parallel, TCT, and the like. If the direct current (DC) power has not already been inverted at a finer granularity level (eg, substring level), then the power can be inverted to AC and utilized (eg, at load 3402). Alternatively, power may be utilized (eg, at load 3402) without being reversed. 33A-33D illustrate various examples of module level power electronics (MLPE) 3300 integration according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. MLPE 3300 performs the same (or substantially the same) components as PE 3202 and may include some or all of the same components, as described herein. For purposes of this disclosure, MLPE 3300 may be considered a type of PE 3202. MLPE 3300 may include a casing (eg, substantially similar to casing 3231). The casing includes components of PE 3202 (e.g., power converter 3240, sensor 3280, communication device 3250, safety device 3260, components for implementing MPPT 3295, control device 3270, etc.), as described in connection with FIG. ). MLPE 3300 can be disposed in a junction box (eg, junction box 242, 942, etc.), on a panel, on a PV cell substrate, on a conductive backsheet (eg, conductive backsheet 901A-901H), or PV module It can be connected to leads and added to PV modules that previously lacked the MLPE3300. Referring to FIG. 33A, the MLPE 3300 can be electrically connected to a PV module positive terminal 3302 or lead and a PV module negative terminal 3304 or lead. The MLPE then monitors, collects data, communicates data, optimizes and/or inverts power, bypasses substrings, etc., and positive and negative terminals as described herein. Alternatively, power may be available using leads. Referring to FIG. 33B, the MLPE 3300 can be electrically connected to the PV module positive terminal 3302 or lead, the PV module negative terminal 3304 or lead, and the substring midpoint terminal 3306 . The substring midpoint terminal 3306 may be the potential midpoint terminal of some or all of the substring midpoints in the PV cell array. 33C and 33D, embodiments may utilize multiple MLPEs 3300, eg, MLPE1 3300A and MLPE2 3300B. The use of multiple MLPEs 3300 may allow increased granularity in optimization, data tracking, communication, switching, monitoring, inversion, etc. For example, referring to FIG. 33C, two MLPEs 3300 may be utilized. Each of MLPE1 3300A and MLPE2 3300B may be connected to respective potential midpoints 3306A and 3306B of a subset of substrings. MLPE1 and MLPE2 may then operate on the PV modules and power may be generated by the PV modules as described herein. MLPE1 3300A and MLPE2 3300B may be connected in series. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 33D, MLPE1 3300A and MLPE2 3300B may be connected in parallel.

It may be advantageous to connect the PEs 3202 at a more or less granular level. For example, substring 102 level, multi-substring level (e.g., one, two, three, etc. substrings served by a single PE), PV module level, and/or multi-PV module level (e.g., It may be advantageous to connect PEs 3202 with one, two, three, etc. PV modules served by a single PE 3202). For example, in commercial PV power plants (eg, solar parks, solar farms, etc.) in open areas, partial shading may be less important and cost savings more important. In such embodiments, PEs may be utilized at a lower granularity level, eg, one PE 3202 per 3, 4, 5, etc. PV modules. In such embodiments, the PE can operate substantially as described above (e.g., monitor, optimize, mitigate mismatches, mitigate "hot spots", reversing, communicating, etc.) may operate at a less granular level. Additionally or alternatively, a "central" PE 3202 (eg, one PE 3202 per 3, 4, 5, etc. PV modules) may be able to optimize, control and communicate at a more granular level. . For example, a "central" PE 3202 (eg, connected to four PV modules) may still be able to optimize each of the four modules separately. Such a scheme can be realized, for example, by smart switching by PE 3202 between PV modules. Additionally or alternatively, it may be advantageous to mix particle size levels. For example, it may be advantageous to have some control with PEs 3202 at the substring 102 level and additional control with additional PEs 3202 at the PV module level.

FIG. 34A illustrates an exemplary PV module and PV cell array circuit incorporating a PE3202 on the PV module or multi-module level. As described herein, a PV module comprises a PV cell array (eg, PV cell arrays 110, 1010, etc.) of multiple electrically connected substrings (eg, substring 102, distributed substrings 1002, etc.). ). The PV modules can then be connected to PEs 3202, which act on the PV modules, track the PV modules, optimize the PV modules, transform the PV modules, invert the PV modules, and can communicate with Additionally or alternatively, PV modules may be connected to other PV modules in one of a variety of electrical connection methods, such as series, parallel, series-parallel, TCT, for example. The multi-module array can then be connected to the PE 3202, as described herein, which operates on the multi-module configuration, tracks the multi-module array, optimizes the multi-module array, and processes the multi-module array. It can transform, invert multi-module arrays, and communicate with multi-module arrays. PEs 3202 may be connected to PV modules or multi-module arrays in one of a variety of ways of electrical connection, including, for example, series, parallel, and the like. A PE 3202 connected to a multi-module array can control each PV module in the array separately and/or the entire array together. PEs 3202 connected at a module or multi-module level may operate at a more granular level, eg, by individual substrings. For example, each substring may be electrically connected to a single PE 3202 within a junction box disposed on the PV module. The PE 3202 may then be able to act on each substring by smart switching between substrings to act on each substring discretely. For example, if PE 3202 detects a reduction in production from a module, it may be possible to discretely switch through substrings to determine mismatched and/or reduced substrings. The PE 3202 can then, for example, bypass the reduced substring or move the substring to a safe operating point (e.g., reverse the reduced PV generator (e.g., PV cell, substring)). It may operate to mitigate mismatch by drawing only an amount of current such that directional bias is mitigated or substantially eliminated.Additionally or alternatively, such aspects include: PE 3202 may be able to handle and/or process all substrings substantially simultaneously PE 3202 may then be bypassed or reduced to determine if its maximum operating point has changed. Substrings may be checked periodically PE 3202 may utilize power from PV generators to loads 3402. Loads 3402 may include, for example, grids, appliances, batteries, and the like.

As described herein, in some cases it may be advantageous to connect PEs 3202 at a finer granularity level, eg, substring level or multi-substring level. FIG. 34B illustrates an exemplary PV module and PV cell array circuit incorporating PE3202 at the substring level and PV module or multi-PV module level. Referring to FIG. 34B, each substring may have a dedicated PE 3202. For example, a PV module may have six substrings electrically connected in parallel (eg, two-row substring 102A, four-row substring 102B, distributed substring 1002, or TCT substring 902). Each substring (eg, substrings 102A-102D) within a PV cell array or PV module may have a dedicated PE 3202 . PE 3202 may operate directly on substrings (eg, MPPT, control, communication, DC-DC conversion, inversion, etc.) substantially as described in connection with PE 3202 herein. For example, if a PV cell within a substring (e.g., substring 102) is shaded and is a "hot spot," the PE 3202 acting on that particular substring may be adjusted to match the current produced by the shaded cell. Just draw the current. PV modules with sub-string level PEs 3202 may then be connected to additional PV modules in one of a variety of electrical connection methods such as, for example, series, parallel, series-parallel, TCT. The multi-module array can then be connected to a PE 3202, as described herein, that operates on the multi-module array, tracks the multi-module array, optimizes the multi-module array, and processes the multi-module array. It can transform, invert multi-module arrays, and communicate with multi-module arrays. A PE 3202 connected to a multi-module array can control each PV module in the array separately and/or the entire array together. PE 3202 may utilize power from PV generators to loads 3402 . Loads 3402 may include, for example, grids, appliances, batteries, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the PV modules may be connected to additional PEs 3202 before being connected to the additional PV modules. PE 3202 may operate on PV modules (eg, MPPT, control, communication, DC-DC conversion, inversion, etc.) substantially as described with respect to PE 3202 herein. Such PEs 3202 connected at the PV module level can be either the entire module (e.g., power of all substrings 102) or a more granular level (e.g., substrings, e.g., 2-row substring 102A, 4-row substring 102B, distributed substring 1002, or TCT substring 902). For example, PE 3202 directly connected to substring 102A may implement MPPT for substring 102A. The PE 3202 connected to the PV modules then additionally implements MPPT at the PV module level, inverts module power, DC-DC converts power, communicates data, inverts power, etc. obtain. Power may then be made available to the load 3402 (eg, grid, appliance, battery, etc.) either directly from the PV module or from the PE 3202 connected to the PV module. Additionally or alternatively, it may be advantageous to further process and/or utilize the power before making it available to load 3402 .

Several alternative embodiments have been described and illustrated herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the features of the individual embodiments and the possible combinations and variations of the components. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that any of the exemplary configurations can be provided in any combination with other exemplary configurations disclosed herein. Accordingly, the examples and aspects are to be considered, in all aspects, as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the invention should not be limited to the details given herein. As used herein, "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "front", "back", "outward", "inward", "leftmost", "rightmost" , “upward,” “downward,” etc. are relative terms for purposes of illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, terms such as "row" should not be limited to horizontal orientations only, but may be understood to include vertical orientations (eg, where exemplary orientations and/or configurations are rotated). Similarly, terms such as "column" should not be limited to vertical orientations only, but may be understood to include horizontal orientations (eg, where the orientation and/or configuration is rotated). Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a particular three-dimensional orientation of structures to fall within the scope of the present disclosure, unless expressly specified by the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term "plurality", whether disjunctive or associative, refers to any number greater than one, up to infinity, where appropriate. Thus, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications can be envisioned without departing significantly from the spirit of the disclosure, and the scope of protection is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

a device,
a power device comprising an input terminal and an output terminal;
a junction box,
a conductive contact;
a junction box comprising a junction box housing mechanically configured to attach to a surface of a photovoltaic module;
input conductors integrally coupled to the conductive contacts, extending from the junction box housing and integrally coupled to the input terminals;
and an output conductor coupled between the output terminal and an output connector. 2. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said junction box housing comprises an opening configured to receive a photovoltaic cell conductor coupled to at least a portion of a photovoltaic cell of said photovoltaic module. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising said photovoltaic module, wherein at least a portion of the photovoltaic cells of said photovoltaic module are connected to said conductive contacts of said junction box. The input conductor is
soldered to said conductive contacts;
integrally coupled to said conductive contact by at least one of being threaded onto said conductive contact or crimped onto said conductive contact. Apparatus as described. The input conductor is
is soldered to the input terminal;
2. The device of claim 1 integrally coupled to said input terminal by at least one of: being threaded onto said input terminal; or being crimped onto said input terminal. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said output conductor is integrally connected to said output terminal. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input conductors are made of a first type of metal and said output conductors are made of a second type of metal different from said first type of metal. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said input conductors are made of copper and said output conductors are made of aluminum. 2. The input conductor of claim 1, wherein the input conductor is of sufficient length to disconnect the input conductor and connect a switched power device to the remaining portion of the input conductor that remains coupled to the conductive contact. device. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input conductor is at least 1.5 inches long. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input conductor is at least 2 inches long. 3. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the power device is mechanically configured to be attached to a surface of the photovoltaic module. 2. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the power device is mechanically configured to be attached to a frame of the photovoltaic module. The power device is
an openable cartridge body;
with removable power device electronics;
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable power device electronics can be removed and replaced within the openable cartridge body. 3. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the junction box housing is mechanically configured to attach to a non-conductive surface of the photovoltaic module. a device,
A power device configured to affect power generated by a photovoltaic module, said power device comprising:
a first input terminal;
a second input terminal;
a first output terminal;
a second output terminal;
An apparatus comprising a power device comprising only two detachable connectors. a junction box mechanically configured to attach to a photovoltaic module comprising a first contact and a second contact;
a first input conductor coupled to the first input terminal and the first contact;
a second input conductor coupled to the second input terminal and the second contact;
a first output conductor coupled to the first output terminal and a first removable connector;
17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a second output conductor coupled to said second output terminal and a second removable connector. The first input conductor is coupled to the first input terminal and a first contact, and the second input conductor comprises:
soldered or
18. The device of claim 17, coupled to the second input terminal and second contact by at least one of being threaded or crimped. The first output conductor is coupled to the first output terminal, and the second output conductor is:
soldered or
18. The device of claim 17, coupled to the second output terminal by at least one of being threaded or crimped. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said first input conductor and said second input conductor are at least 2 inches in length.

Images